Tonsillectomies & adenoidectomies

When a surgeon does a T&A and a large defect is created by the removal of the tonsil, is it appropriate to bil 42950 along with 42820 for the defect repair??

Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies

It would not be appropriate to report 42950 in this case. Any closure or "repair" of a tonsillectomy defect would be included in the tonsillectomy code and not separately billed. If the surgeon felt s/he really went above and beyond the usual closure/repair then you might add modifier 22 to the tonsillectomy code.

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Kim Pollock, RN, MBA, CPC
KarenZupko & Associates, Inc.
www.karenzupko.com