Lap appy and umbilical hernia repair at same surgery

Can I code these together, 44970 and 49652-59 with modifier? Inital problem was with abdominal pain and acute appendicitis...found umbilical hernia as placing ports and on the way out repaired the hernia. Doctor states in his op note "this is not normally a part of appendectomy procedure" so I added 59 and then thought I'd ask as well. Thank you, Michele

re: Lap appy and umbilical hernia repair at same surgery

I've had success with billing that that way. You might have to fight for it by sending the OP report and explanation, but you can get it. Good luck :)

re: Lap appy and umbilical hernia repair at same surgery

When the surgeon performs a laparoscopic appendectomy, four incisions, each about 1 in (2.5 cm) in length, are made. One incision is near the umbilicus, or navel, and one is between the umbilicus and the pubis. Two other incisions are smaller and are on the right side of the lower abdomen.

This will be a judgment call by each payer. It goes to medical necessity or incidental policy.