For non-Medicare payers, temporary codes provide the most accurate reporting and reimbursement of these clinically complex procedures. Unlike other flaps used for breast reconstruction, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps preserve muscle function at the donor site, improving the patient’s core strength and reducing the risk of hernia after surgery. Conflicting and outdated guidelines mean […]
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Tag Archives: DIEP
Failed DIEP Breast Reconstruction free flap
Patients initial surgery was a Removal of bilateral silicone implants using DIEP free flap. The patient was brought back to the operating room 4 days later for an exploration with thrombectomy and revision of venous anastomosis and restoration of flow. The patient was brought back for a 3rd operation a few days later. The flap failed. Removal of thrombosed left DIEP free flap with primary closure. I am not sure what to code for the second and 3rd operation. Do I code 19364 with a 52 modifier?