Lap inguinal hernia and open repair of umbilical hernia

Hi-
Provider repaired an inguinal hernia laparoscopically and repaired an umbilical hernia (open) through the same umbilical incision. This was preplanned. I don't think this is billable any thoughts on this?
Thank you,

re: Lap inguinal hernia and open repair of umbilical hernia

Since these are two separate kinds of hernias, I do bill this for my doc quite often. I always append a 59 mod on the umbilical hernia repair as it has a lower RVU.

re: Lap inguinal hernia and open repair of umbilical hernia

I have billed two hernia repairs and have gotten payment. You have to add a -59 modifier and make sure you have two separate ICD-9 codes as well.

re: Lap inguinal hernia and open repair of umbilical hernia

Does the fact that the provider used the trocar umbilical incision to repair the hernia make any difference? Two separate incisions were not made.

re: Lap inguinal hernia and open repair of umbilical hernia

It does not matter. It is two separate hernias in two separate sites so you can bill them both.