CPT Manual moves laparoscopic ablation of uterine fibroid tumors from Category III codes
Physician Practice Insider, February 21, 2017
CPT has granted coders a new code, 58674 (laparoscopy, surgical, ablation of uterine fibroid(s), including intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, radiofrequency), effective January 1 for the laparoscopic ablation of uterine fibroid tumors.
This addition marks another successful transition of a code from the temporary Category III codes for emerging technology, services and procedures to a permanent Category I code. The new code replaces Category III code 0336T.
The usage and transition of a Category III code to a permanent CPT code creates a few changes in billing. It allows for a solid relative value unit allocation to the code, and insurance payers will also put this into their payment code base for standardized payment. However, some insurance payers may still consider code 58674 to be an experimental code, so it is advisable to call the carrier prior to the procedure being performed to inquire about payment of this procedure with the new CPT code.
Code 58674 will primarily be used to report a procedure known as a laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation. This procedure destroys uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, and it is a good option for women who still want to pursue pregnancy or simply want to avoid a more major surgery (such as hysterectomy) to remove fibroid tumors from the uterus.
This article originally appeared on JustCoding. Read the complete, detailed article here.
Related Products
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Don't forget the three checks in medication administration
- Note similarities and differences between HCPCS, CPT® codes
- Complications from immobility by body system
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- Q&A: Primary, principal, and secondary diagnoses
- Differentiate between types of wound debridement
- The consequences of an incomplete medical record
- Nursing responsibilities for managing pain
- Practice the six rights of medication administration
- ICD-10-CM coma, stroke codes require more specific documentation
- E-mailed
-
- CDC alert: Screen for international travel as Ebola cases increase
- Correctly bill ancillary bedside procedures in addition to the room rate
- Q&A: Utilization Review Committee Membership
- Q&A: Bill blood administration the same way for inpatient and outpatient accounts
- Q&A: A second look at encephalopathy as integral to seizures/CVA
- Performing a SWOT analysis
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- Intravenous therapy guidelines
- Coding, billing, and documentation tips for teaching physicians, interns, residents, and students
- Coding tip: Watch for different codes for SI joint injections
- Searched