Forum - Questions & Answers
Drainage of periappendiceal abscess reported separately?
Is it appropriate to bill a 49322 in addition to 44970? I do not see the combo in the CCI edits. The surgery was a laparoscopic appendectomy for a perforated gangrenous appendix. The surgeon aspirated the abscess cavity prior to being able to access the appendix and had to further irrigate and debride the abscess cavity during and after the removal of the appendix. While it was unusually extensive, I am not clear if the drainage is considered an integral part of the appendectomy. Any help would be much appreciated.
CCI edit indicator 1
In double checking, I do see the code set in the CCI edits however it has an indicator of 1.
secondary code
Medicare states that any procedure done to gain access to main procedure scheduled is inclusive in main procedure and not separately billed.