Resolved +36274

[ErnaV_2250]

Good day,
Please can I ask for guidance on the code:
+32674 Thoracoscopy, surgical; with mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

In the guidelines for this code it refers which codes it can be used with:
(Report 32674 in conjunction with 21601, 31760, 31766, 31786, 32096-32200, 32220-32320, 32440-32491, 32503-32505, 32601-32663, 32666, 32669-32673, 32815, 33025, 33030, 33050-33130, 39200-39220, 39560, 39561, 43101, 43112, 43117, 43118, 43122, 43123, 43287, 43288, 43351, 60270, 60505)

While I can see this add on codes as relevant to performing lymphadenectomies with other procedures, I do not understand how this code [VATS] specific are used with procedure were VATS is totally irrelevant, such as open procedure for the digestive system [43101, 43112, 43117, 43118, 43122, 43123, 43287, 43288, 43351, [female genital system] 60270, and 60505 [open parathyroidectomy;...]

What am I missing here?
Thanks
Erna

 

[Alicia]

Mediastinal lymph nodes are resected during a separately reportable thoracoscopic procedure. Lymph node dissection is typically performed to evaluate metastatic spread to the lymph nodes on patients undergoing lobectomy procedures for malignancies.

The key in the list is "if applicable". They are only saying you can use this code if they go for nodes in this area. Sometimes they will pull nodes farther away from the area the tumor or mass is located.

 

[ErnaV_2250]

Thanks Alicia