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GASTROCNEMIUS RESECTION – Best Code to Use?

There is a debate in my office about how to code this procedure. This is a free-standing ASC. A DPM is doing the surgery. This is the entire part that is relevant to the procedure. I realize the note isn’t very good. I spoke to the DPM about the procedure. The incision is being made in the lower (mid) calf. He says he slices the gastrocnemius tendon and it is a 5 minute procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE GASTROCNEMIUS RESECTION ON THE LEFT FOOT: A superficial skin incision was placed over the gastrocnemius tendon. This was done with superficial skin blade with sharp and blunt dissection deeply. The subcutaneous tissue was reflected back and was brought into view the gastrocnemius tendon which was noted and appreciated and transected in toto utilizing a #15 blade and Metzenbaum scissor. Once this was completed, the wound was then closed in layers utilizing 4-0 Polysorb in the subcutaneous tissue and the skin was closed with simple interrupted sutures of 4-0 nylon.

The DPM assured me it was 27612. I showed him the description of that code and he agreed that he isn’t doing that procedure.

Based on the name of the procedure, it appears to be 27687. However, reading the description of 27687, I’m inclined to say it’s NOT that code either. The doctor is for sure not doing the Strayer Procedure. Even still, that code appears to be much more involved. I did ask the doctor how deep he is going and it’s about 1/2 inch. He isn’t doing anything to the gastrocnemius muscle itself.

29999 would be used for a endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. And it’s not endoscopic. However, I’m leaning towards this code because it seems the most appropriate as the other codes don’t really seem to work in my opinion.

I will say it’s difficult for us to get paid for unlisted procedures, so if there is a more appropriate code, I’d rather use that. I’ve been doing a lot of research and I’m not seeing anything that really fits this situation.

Any thoughts? Thank you in advance.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

s/p revision of vaginal septum resection secondary to postoperative hemorrhage

I am trying to code for s/p revision of vaginal septum resection secondary to postoperative hemorrhage but I am at a loss. Has anyone else coded for this before? Thanks in advance 😮

Operation – Exam under anesthesia, Repair Vaginal Tear, revison of vaginal septum resection ,control of post op hemorrhage

The patient was taken to the OR where general endotracheal anesthesia was induced. The patient was placed in the dorsal lithotomy position with her legs supported using candy cane stirrups. The patient was then prepped and draped in the normal sterile fashion. A time-out was performed to confirm correct patient, correct procedure. A deaver retractor was used to visualized the vagina. A large clot was evacuated. The vagina was then copiously irrigated with sterile water. The vagina was then inspected and a largely intact incision was noted longitudinally, both inferior and superior. Two cervices were noted and appeared normal. An small area of separation was noted, with a small amount of active bleeding. The posterior portion of the incision was oversewn from the apex to the introitus using 3-0 vicryl in a running/locked fashion. One small area about 1 cm above the introitus in this incision line continued a bleed. A figure of 8 was placed using the same suture. Excellent hemostasis was noted. The vagina was then packed the Kerlix with premarin cream. A foley catheter was placed without difficulty. All sponge, lap, and needle counts were correct x 2 at the end of the procedure. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was transferred to the recovery room in stable condition.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Colonstomy location revision, small bowel resection, bladder repair

Hello! Any suggestions on how to code this? I am looking at 44346, but then would I just bill the 44120 for the small bowel. I know the bladder repair, and adhesiolysis is included.

After general endotracheal anesthesia, patient was positioned in supine position. The colostomy was closed with a running 2-0 silk suture. The patient was prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion. A 10 blade scalpel was used for skin incision extending subxiphoid down to the pubic symphysis. The subcutaneous tissue was dissected using cautery down to the linea alba. The linea alba was then opened under direct visualization was extended superiorly and inferiorly. Edges of the fascia was grasp with Kockers and lysis of adhesions were carried out using cautery. A Balfour retractor was then placed with good exposure. A loop of small bowel was tethered to the pelvis, bladder and rectal stump. This loop was mobilized out of the pelvis with sharp dissection and cautery. After freeing the entire small bowel, it was inspected for any injuries. The loop of small bowel in the pelvis appeared to be thickened from previous radiation with serosal tears. The serosal tears were attempted to be over sewn with 3.0 vicryl but would tear and not hold sutures. I suspect from previous radiation damage. I then decided to resect this loop of distal ilium measuring approximately 15 cm. Using a GIA stapler the proximal and distal ends of the loop were divided. The small bowel then was aligned in a side to side fashion with 3.0 silk sutures. End enterotomies were performed using cautery. A 75cm GIA was placed in the enterotomies creating a side to side anastomosis. The end enterotomies were aligned with Alice graspers and closed using a TX 60 stapler. Once the small bowel had been mobilized out of the pelvis and resected, the rectum was attempted to be identified however is very thickened peritoneum the as well as bladder. The first assist placed rectal dilators in the rectum for easier palpation and mobilization. However, the previous staple line was unable to be identified. The peritoneum was thicken but the rectum could be palpated. An elliptical skin incision was performed around the colostomy and the subcutaneous tissues dissected to the fascia. Patient was noted to have a parastomal hernia and the hernia sac was also dissected free and transected. The proximal colon then was able to be mobilized intra-abdominally from the ostomy site. The proximal colon was transected using the a 75 GIA stapler to healthy appearing colonic tissue. An EEA 29 mm anvil was secured in the proximal end with a #1 PDS using a pursestring. The EEA stapler was then placed transrectally. The spiked end was barely visible secondary to the thickened wall. The rectal stump was attempted to be skeletonalized by scoring the perirectal fat and peritoneum. There appeared blood in the foley catheter. The first assist back filled the catheter no leak. Continued dissection revealed the bladder was draped over the rectum. I was unable to separate the bladder from the rectum. The posterior bladder wall had been opened during this dissection. The bladder was closed in a 2 layered fashion. First layer was closed using 3-0 chromic and the second layer with 3-0 Vicryl. A #19 French Blake drain was then placed in the pelvis exiting the left lower quadrant and secured to the skin with a 2-0 silk suture. The colo-rectal anastomosis was then abandoned secondary to frozen pelvis and inability to mobilize the rectum to make the anastomosis. The previous ostomy site hernia was closed using 1.0 PDS for the posterior rectus sheath and a 1.0 Vicryl on the anterior rectus sheath. A new ostomy site was created in the right lower quadrant. Using an Alice grasper, the skin was incised in a circular manor. The subcutaneous tissue was dissected using cautery. The anterior rectus sheath was opened two finger breaths and dilated. The sigmoid colon was then delivered through this opening. Copious irrigations were applied and meticulous hemostasis was maintained throughout the procedure. All needles and sponge counts were correct ×2. The midline fascia was closed using a running #1 PDS superiorly and inferiorly. The subcutaneous tissue was irrigated. The skin was then closed using staples. The left ostomy site was also closed with staples. The newly relocated ostomy in the right lower quadrant was then matured using 3.0 vicryl sutures and a clostomy bag was placed. Sterile dressing was applied and the patient was transferred to recovery room in stable condition.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Liver Resection with Sonogram- Need Advice :)

*Hello, would I code the liver resection as 47120? I cannot find a code for the liver sonogram. Any advice? Thanks so much
CPT Code: Procedures:
* LIVER RESECTION
* INTRAOPERATIVE LIVER SONOGRAM
*
*
ICD-10 : Post-Op Diagnosis Codes:
* Liver metastases (HCC) [C78.7]
*
Findings: After releasing the triangular ligament and diaphragmatic attachments of the right liver, with pads elevating the mobilize right liver, anterior exposure of the palpable mass is good with directed sonogram showing a venous outflow slightly inferior and medial. A trough is made surrounding the identified mass, about 1.5 cm margins, deepened about 1 cm with hook cautery and the mass specimen elevated from medial to lateral using Harmonic ACE. The ergometry design of this Harmonic instrument is awkward, as I come from medial to lateral I have bleeding as expected but the specimen fractures and I can palpate proximity of tumor with the deep margin and I quickly amputate and then removed the remainder of the scored posterior lateral component, quickly removing with hook cautery. Blood loss is about 100-150 mL through this and I hemostatically closed with 3 horizontally placed 0 chromic sutures on a liver needle. No other liver lesions are identified. I mobilize the right colic omentum but the remainder the omentum is tethered to the lower midline incision and cannot be easily mobilized without extending the incision, so I used a 5 x 4 x 2 cm plug of omental fat (a free omentum graft) to cover the surgical site and segregate it from the diaphragm, held in place with chromic suture. I had placed 4 perimeter liver capsule clips for radiographic localization.

Indications: has a 1.8 cm mass in the dome of the right liver, segment 7 with biopsy benign but suspected sampling error. There has been a modest increase in CEA that the concern is a delayed liver metastasis. He presents for diagnostic (therapeutic) excision.
*
Description of Procedure: In the supine position with appropriate monitoring he received general anesthesia with IV antibiotic. Arterial line was placed. He is rolled to the partial left lateral decubitus position and supported with arm board and beanbag. The right chest and flank and abdomen to the midline or prepped with chlorhexidine and draped after 3 minutes. I initiate the incision through a 8 cm right subcostal oblique incision, he has a narrow costal margin. The external oblique and internal oblique and transversus abdominis are open under vision, to the rectus sheath medially. With a hand introduced I can palpate the nodule and extend the incision slightly medially and then laterally around the curve of the costal margin. An upper hand retractor is placed, the liver is explored visually and manually with no palpable mass other than described. The gallbladder is flaccid. The porta hepatis has no overtly palpable nodes. With the liver retracted anteriorly and medially, the lateral diaphragmatic attachments are released and then continued upward toward the central liver without exposing the inferior vena cava. Then using moistened laparotomy pads, the liver is elevated and a second upperhand retractor placed that we can look directly down on the lesion. We then used intraoperative sonogram identifying veins, total vein is recognized with hyperechoic surface, more deep and will not be in jeopardy. I create a circumferential trough using cautery hook, about 1.5 cm margins around the mass, final dimensions about 5 cm. This is deepened to about 1 cm and then using the Harmonic ACE, medial to lateral amputation is completed with hook cautery used to remove the remainder of the base and lateral component submitted in a separate container. With this last maneuver, the hot cautery hook penetrates my left index finger glove and penetrates my skin. The hook is discarded, gloves are exchanged and the operation is completed.
*
Peripheral hemostasis is secured with the Harmonic ACE and undermine the depth with horizontal mattress compressive 0 chromic suture, and I placed fibrillar before tying and there is no active bleeding at conclusion. We will place a dry laparotomy pad.
*
I now elevate the right colon and separate the omentum, I try to leave the pedicle laterally but it is too thin and fractures and now this is a free omental specimen. Rather than release the abdomen, I can create a free omental plug using 5 x 4 x 2 cm overlying the surgical bed held posteriorly and anteriorly with chromic suture and this will segregate the surgical bed from the diaphragm. We then assure complete hemostasis, remove all laparotomy pads which are accounted for. We use 20 mL diluted Exparel (1:1) injected in the peritoneum layer near the lower border of upper subcostal flap and the remainder laterally in the interfascial planes between the transversus abdominis, internal and external oblique. The incision is then closed with 0 PDS suture anchored laterally and tied centrally, the deep layer collects peritoneum, transversus abdominis and internal oblique and its fascia, carried laterally to the posterior sheath. The superficial layer anchors the anterior sheath medially and the external oblique fascia and muscle taking small purchase of underlying tissue along the way to close dead space. The incision is irrigated and skin reapproximated with running 4-0 subcuticular suture. Prineo Cranial dermal glue mesh is applied. Dressings are applied. Orogastric tube and Foley catheter are removed. He is awakened and exudate in the operating suite transported to PACU. There were no intraoperative complications

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Trans-urethral resection of intra-bladder left ureteral…

Hello everyone! Was hoping someone can guide us in the right direction on this surgery. patient had a nephrectomy done a few days earlier. We are kinda stumped on this one. Thank you in advance :)

Procedure Name: Elective Cystoscopy, Trans-urethral resection of intra-bladder left ureteral inverted stump and fulguration of left ureteral orifice.

History: Intra-bladder inversion of left ureteral stump from prior ureteral avulsion.

Procedure Description: After informed consent was received patient was brought to the operating room and placed in a supine position. Anesthesia was induced. Patient was placed in a dorsal lithotomy position and genitals were prepped and draped in a standard fashion. Appropriate time out was performed. Cystoscopy revealed: Intra-bladder inversion of left ureteral stump from prior ureteral avulsion,
The ureteral stump were resected and the left ureteral orifice was then fulgurated. The ureter was sent to pathology for permanent examination. Hemostasis was achieved. Scope was removed and a Foley catheter was placed and was draining clear urine.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Left Shoulder Resection Arthroplasty with Placement Antibiotic Spacer

Post op DX: Septic Arthritis LT Shoulder with chronic anterior shoulder dislocation & glenoid fracture malunion
Pt. has history of septic arthritis LT shoulder that was addressed with irrigation & debridement in July by another surgeon. They have a previous history of fractures about the shoulder including the acromion, glenoid & coracoid. These have resulted in fracture malunion with chronic anterior shoulder dislocation & now recurrent suspicious infection. Op Note: Incision made anteriorly over the shoulder through a standard deltopectoral approach. I was unable to use the previous transverse space surgical scar. The deltopectoral interval was identified & also the cephalic vein & this was preserved throughout the entirety of the procedure retracting it laterally with the deltoid. There was significant scar tissue from her previous surgery & secondary chronic infection. I released the proximal 1 cm of pectoralis major insertion as well as the leading edge of the coracoacromial ligament to facilitate exposure. I identified the biceps tendon & its sheath & began to resect & reflect the subscapularis & underlying capsule just medial to this. I opened it through the rotator interval, exposing the humeral head. Red tinged & slightly turbid synovial fluid was identified. I sent specimens for analysis. The shoulder joint was identified & revealed extensive erosive changes about the humeral head with reciprocal changes about the glenoid consistent with advanced septic osteoarthritis. The rotator cuff was noted to be completely torn & retracted. The humeral head was noted to be chronically anterior dislocated. I released the inferior capsule to facilitate further extraction of the humeral head with combination of adduction, flexion & external rotation & the head was completely dislocated. I then identified a starting point for entry of reamer. I progressively reamed up to 12 mm. I then used the extramedullary alignment guide to fashion a resection of the humeral head in 30 degrees of retroversion using the humeral epicondylar axis & the forearm as a guide. I resected approximately 25 mm of the native humeral head. I removed extensive foul appearing tissue from the metaphysis. I prepared the humerus with broaches up to size 12 & 30 degrees of retroversion. I then assessed the glenoid. There was chronic malunion of the glenoid with significant loss of the anterior substance of the glenoid which would make it unreasonable to try to resurface in the future. I did try to ram down the glenoid using the glenoid reamers & a guide pin & what I thought was the central aspect of the scapula. I did remove foul appearing tissue that surrounded the growth glenoid in particular over the anterior aspect which is felt to be residual hypertrophic scar tissue from the fracture. I thoroughly irrigated the glenoid & humerus with antibiotic irrigation. I prepared the size 12 Prostalac implant. Once the prostalac stem was prepared & hardened it was removed from its casing. The stem was place in appropriate retroversion in the humeral canal. The wound was irrigated & closed. I repaired the capsule & subscapularis to the humeral shaft & repaired the deltopectoral interval. Need help with how to code-Unlisted or 23470 or 23472 & 11981?

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Single Pelvic Lymph Node Resection – Laparoscopic

Can anyone tell me how you would code for a single enlarged pelvic lymph node that was resected during a TLH/BSO (58571) due to severe endometriosis? I wanted to use 38570, but I am not sure that is correct. I am thinking I may need to use the unlisted code?

Thank you!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Resection of carpal trapezium w/internal brace stabilization for thumb base arthritis

Hi all,
I would like an expert opinion on which CPT code is most appropriate for what looks like a "suspension version" of a CMC arthroplasty.

Per op report:
"…A marked amount of arthritis at the trapezial
carpometacarpal joint was identified. The trapezium was
osteotomized in 3 places with an osteotome, and the bone was
removed in fragments completely. The wound was irrigated with
antibiotic solution. With a 1.5 mm double-stranded labral tape,
we placed the anchor into the articular base of the second
metacarpal, strung it across the base of the metacarpal, and
then placed a second anchor very snugly with the double
stranded 1.5 mm labral tape into the lateral portion of the
metacarpal base. This suspended the metacarpal and stabilized
it completely, with good positioning and no evident subluxing.
We then irrigated again and placed some antibiotic-soaked
Gelfoam in the space of the trapezium, did a very tight
capsular repair with 3-0 Mersilene sutures, mattresses, and
then closed the skin subcuticular with Monocryl…"

Would this be a 25447 even though no tendon transfers are mentioned as performed?
If 25447 is the most appropriate code, should a -52 be appended?

Thanks,
Aubrey CPC, CRC, COC

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Lap BSO and resection of pelvic masses

I came up with 58661 and 58662 but not sure if I can code these together.

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Pelvic mass thought to be ovarian with low risk OVA1 test.

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Pelvic mass in the posterior cul-de-sac ? peritoneal inclusion cyst.

PROCEDURES PERFORMED: Operative +laparoscopy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic washings, resection of pelvic masses (3) and posterior cul-de-sac TAP block.

FINDINGS: Normal appearing fallopian tubes and ovaries consistent with age, a normal uterus, 3 cystic lesions in the posterior cul-de-sac adherent to the posterior aspect of the uterus, uterosacral ligaments, particularly on the right and the pouch of Douglas. They measured approximately 3 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm individually.

PATHOLOGY SPECIMENS: Bilateral fallopian tubes and ovaries, pelvic masses.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: The patient was brought into the operating room, placed supine on the operating room table where general anesthesia via oral endotracheal tube was administered in the usual fashion. She was then placed in the dorsal lithotomy position, prepped and draped in the usual fashion for operative laparoscopy, A 5 mm umbilical incision was made, 0.25% Marcaine with Epinephrine was instilled into this incisional site. A disposable 5 mm trocar with a )-degree 5 mm scope was entered under direct visualization placed within the abdominal cavity. The patient was placed in Trendelenburg and the abdomen was insufflated with carbon dioxide gas. Next, 2 stab wounds were made, one in the left paramedian and the other in the right paramedian line approximately one hand breadth lateral and one and a half hand breadth inferior to the umbilicus. Under direct visualization, 0.25% Marcaine with Epinephrine was instilled into these incisional sites. Next, a 12 mm trocar was placed under direct visualization into the left paramedian incision and a 5 mm into the right paramedian incision. The operative laparoscopy instruments included the Covidien LigaSure hook, a grasper and the Nezhat suction irrigator. Grasping from the contralateral side superiorly and medially, the LigaSure hook bipolar device was placed across the infundibulopelvic ligament, cauterized doubly and cut, followed by the mesovarium and the round ligament just beneath the fallopian tube up to the level of the cornu. The fallopian tube was then severed from its attachment to the uterus at the cornu using the LigaSure bipolar device. This process was repeated on the contralateral side.

Next, attention was directed towards removing pelvic masses. The Nezhat suction irrigator was initially used to hydrodissect. The smallest mass easily was removed in this manner. With gentle traction on these pelvic masses which appeared to be peritoneal inclusion cysts, the cysts were separated from the pelvic sidewall. They were brought out through the 12 mm port. Irrigation was performed and hemostasis was noted. The 2 adnexa were placed in the EndoCatch bag and brought out with the left paramedian port. All instruments were removed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum