The surgeon watches the monitor and performs the operation by manipulating the surgical instruments through the operating ports. Can a laparoscopy be converted to a cholecystectomy? hbbd``b`v ~ !$6Hl{ADH0j @I$$$Xl'@ !H A A,h)& S@,aK!#w Loralee joined MOS Revenue Cycle Management Division in October 2021. This work is followed by either an extension of a trocar site incision or creation of a separate small incision for extraction of the specimen and/or extracorporeal creation of an anastomosis based on surgeon preference. The inclusion of a code does not imply any right to reimbursement or guarantee claim payment. In January 2012, the American Medical Association/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) agreed that the physician work had not changed since the October 2010 review and recommended reaffirmation of the RUCs original recommendation for correctly ranked work RVUs (11.87 for 47562 and 12.11 for 47563). PMC Use another thoracoabdominal stapler to close the remaining enterotomy and colotomy. For the "ICD-10 Coding--Bonnie Altus" playlist, go to:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRfHZ9wXKs6dJTxMF8y08sxGupC5AAj_PBonnie Altus (MS,RHIA,CHPS) is . If you had a laparoscopic surgery, you may feel pain from any carbon dioxide gas still in your belly. CPT code 47563 describes a diagnostic laparoscopy and surgical removal of the gallbladder with the additional work of an intraoperative cholangiography. Meghann joined MOS Revenue Cycle Management Division in February of 2013. Nor is appending modifier -22 to the open procedure appropriate in the above scenario, Elliott warns. It is a common treatment of symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. For inpatient claims, report the diagnosis code for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Download the app via the Apple Store, Google Play, or Amazon. 2017, and November 30, 2021. You now have the opportunity to claim CME credit for time spent reading the monthly Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons. Find the trace of the plane in the given coordinate plane. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What is the implementation date of ICD-10-PCS? The Analysis of Risk Factors in the Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy. Outsource Strategies International is one of the leading medical billing and coding companies in the medical outsourcing space focused on all aspects of revenue cycle management. A total of eight patients were admitted to the hospital following postanesthesia care, six of these eight patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. We will response ASAP. 587 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<07367116D9DFB94CBA4100F1475D6482>]/Index[556 67]/Info 555 0 R/Length 131/Prev 330327/Root 557 0 R/Size 623/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream CPT code 47560 describes a diagnostic laparoscopy plus laparoscopic-guidance for percutaneous insertion of a needle or catheter into the liver parenchyma to access the biliary tree for injection of contrast and performance of trans-hepatic cholangiography. in keeping with safe cholecystectomy guidelines, 2 while rates of conversion to open cholecystectomy have decreased between 2003 and 2014. Cholecystitis or gallstone disease occurs when gallstones crystallize (cholelithiasis) and block the release of bile from the gallbladder. For the Cy2013 PFS, these codes are correctly ranked. 3 What is the root operation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy? 47563 with cholangiography; and If you feel some of our contents are misused please mail us at medicalbilling4u at gmail dot com. J Gastrointest Surg. A total of 310 patients (5.2%) had had their cholecystectomies converted to an open procedure. Then the gallbladder is dissected away from the liver bed and removed through one of the ports. Note: If the surgeon must repair a bowel injured by another physician, the procedure should be billed 44602 (suture of small intestine [enterorrhaphy] for perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury or rupture; single perforation), 44603 (. CPT code 47605 cholecystectomy w/ cholangiography ICD-9 procedure code 51.22 cholecystectomy , 87.53 Intraoperative cholangiogram and will have to add V64.41 laparoscopic surgical procedure converted to open along with your other ICD-9 dx's. B bill2doc Expert Messages 454 Best answers 0 Nov 29, 2012 #3 Thank you very much! It is incorrect to report a code for ileostomy or jejunostomy (44310 or 44187) with a partial colectomy code (for example, 44145 or 44207) for this procedure, as doing so would be unbundling. Background One of the most severe complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is intraoperative bile duct injury (BDI). The following list(s) of codes is provided for reference purposes only and may not be all inclusive. Three Tips Help Optimize Billing for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, In some situations, a general surgeon may receive additional reimbursement for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lap [], Reason for Excision of Coccyx Determines Correct Code, "When a coccygeal decubitus ulcer is excised or debrided, the patients coccyx may also be [], Flexible Sigmoidoscopy With Prior Colectomy, Question: Our surgeon performed a flexible sigmoidoscopy through the rectum and into the small bowel, [], The March issue of General Surgery Coding Alert incorrectly stated that 11044 (debridement; skin, subcutaneous [], Partial Colectomy Code Describes Ileocolostomy, Question: A presumptive diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made on a patient in the emergency [], Question: How should I code for the excision of a 2-cm lipoma on the forehead [], Question: I have always thought that multiple procedures performed the same day on the same [], Endoscopy, Colonoscopy During Same Session, Question: The January 2001 General Surgery Coding Alert, p. 3, provides an example of the [], Subsequent Observation Day Billed as Established Outpatient Visit, Question: My physician admitted a female patient for observation with left lower quadrant abdominal pain, [], Copyright 2023. Just because a procedure was converted from laparoscopic to open does not automatically justify the use of modifier -22, she explains. Can both be billed? 1 What is the CPT for laparoscopic cholecystectomy? In addition, gangrenous changes and initial dissection result in perforations and consequent bile spillage. Clinical example: A 27-year-old male patient has had Crohns disease (CD) of the terminal ileum for six years. See the appropriate diagnosis codes below. In the years since laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced, there has been a noted improvement in the quality of laparoscopic equipment affording a near wholesale shift toward the laparoscopic approach in the surgical management of this condition. The five procedures are laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CPT procedure code 47562 for outpatient surgeries and ICD-9 procedure code 5123 for inpatient surgeries), laparoscopic appendectomy (CPT 44970 and ICD-9 procedure code 4701), arthrodesis (CPT 22845 and 22551; and ICD-9 procedure code 8102), laparoscopic total hysterectomy (CPT 58570, 58571, 58572, and 58573; and ICD-9 procedure code 6841), and laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy (CPT 58552, 58553, and 58554; and ICD-9 procedure code 6841). 3x + 4z = -2, xy. In the Unites States, 90% are performed laparoscopically. Therefore, these codes should never be billed together. KarenZupko & Associates, Inc. | 312.642.5616 | information@karenzupko.com. The 2023 edition of ICD-10-CM Z53.31 became effective on October 1, 2022. ICD-10 Codes for Gallstones (Cholelithiasis). I code from the record, never by what doctors write at the beginning. The revenue codes and UB-04 codes are the IP of the American Hospital Association. Compared to ICD-9, ICD-10 offers much greater specificity for reporting cholelithiasis with location, additional condition, nature of additional condition, and presence of obstruction: K80.0(calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis), K80.1 (calculus of gallbladder and other cholecystitis), K80.2 (calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis), K80.3 (calculus of bile duct with cholangitis), K80.4 (calculus of bile duct with cholecystis), K80.5 (calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis), K80.6 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with cholecystitis), CPT Codes for Cholecystectomy Removal of the Gall Bladder. However, for 2013, CMS did not agree with the RUC and instead further reduced the wRVU for 47562 to correct the rank order anomaly that CMS created when it reduced the wRVU for 47563. A retrospective review of medical records was undertaken to identify all laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy performed at a single center over a 2-year period. The surgeon may also explore the common bile duct for gallstones at the same time. A corresponding procedure code must accompany a Z code if a procedure is performed. We will take care of your Medical Billing and Coding, Dental Billing, Insurance Verification and Prior Authorization requirements efficiently. This pain may last for a few days. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. 2002 Nov-Dec;6(6):800-5. doi: 10.1016/s1091-255x(02)00064-1. Please reach out and we would do the investigation and remove the article. Note: If the patient is brought back to the operating room for repair of the complication, modifier -78 (return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period) should be attached to the appropriate procedure code. This column provides information that should clear up the uncertainty about how to correctly code laparoscopic colectomy procedures. Clinical Documentation and Prior Authorization Required Tufts healh plan required authorization for below services. Benefit coverage for health services is determined by the member specific benefit plan document and applicable laws that may require coverage for a specific service. prealgebra. After an extracorporeal anastomosis, the colon is returned to the abdomen, the extraction site is closed, pneumoperitoneum is reestablished, and the remainder of the procedure is performed laparoscopically, including final irrigation and inspection. A. January 1, 2014 B. January 1, 2015 C. October 1, 2016 D. October 1, 2015, What is the total number of characters in an ICD-10-PCS code? Robotic-assistance, hand-assistance, or minor incision for specimen extraction with or without extracorporeal work is still considered a laparoscopic procedure. Dont forget to add the appropriate diagnostic code to indicate the conversion. The ACS, ASCRS, and SAGES agree that the procedures described as open in the CPT code set have always clearly meant that a laparotomy was performed and that the procedures described as laparoscopic have always clearly meant that the beginning, end, and most or all of the work in between was performed using trocars and laparoscopic instruments. In this case, the National Correct Coding Initiative Policy Manual for Medicare Services Effective January 1, 2016 states that the physician should not report the failed laparoscopic cholecystectomy or a diagnostic laparoscopy. Disclaimer. The physicians operative report should include everything done to care for the patient. Converting to gain better access or to facilitate removal of the gallbladder is commonplace and, therefore, modifier -22 shouldnt be used. The edit includes a 0 indicator, meaning that no override is possible using modifier -59 (distinct procedural service). In all three situations, no additional codes may be billed. The camera illuminates the surgical field and sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video monitor, giving the surgeon a close-up view of the organs and tissues. Coders must also be aware of several coding guidelines and bundling edits that may apply. by Surgery Center of Oklahoma | Jun 1, 2013. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help After insufflation with CO2(carbon dioxide), insert the laparoscope and perform a visual inspection of the abdominal contents. 21 (-2x - 10) > 3 (4 - 6x) Verified answer. Divide the ascending colon in a similar fashion. How do I report removal of a lipoma of the spermatic cord and repair of a reducible inguinal hernia performed at the same time, through the same incision? Then ligate and divide the ileocolic vessels and any other mesentery to the involved bowel. 8596 E. 101st Street, Suite HTulsa, OK 74133, CPC: Director of Revenue Cycle Management, CPC: Senior Solutions Manager: Practice and RCM, Outsource Strategies International. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Tip 1: Read the Entire Operative Report At the very least, if the surgeons practice is audited, the payer may request a refund. She notes that the surgeon opted to convert to an open procedure shortly after beginning the lap chole. 2002 2023. If significant additional work or time is required to lyse adhesions, repair a complication or convert the procedure from laparoscopic to open, modifier -22 (unusual procedural services) can be appended to the appropriate code and additional payment claimed; or Price: $6,836. CPT 81479 oninvasive Prenatal Testing for Fetal Aneuploidies, Top 13 denials in RCM and how to prevent the denials, Critical care codes Usage , Time, Documentation, Medical necessity condition with example, CPT Code 99201, 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205 Which code to USE. These conclusions are supported by the description of work inherent to the colectomy CPT codes during their development and valuation. Let's ra, With the large amounts of clinical documentation a, Arterial embolization is a minimally-invasive proc, Need professional support to meet those medical bi, February is observed as American Heart Month, Streamline the billing process and prevent claim d, Cracking the Code: Understanding CDT Codes for Dental Bridges, Dental Billing Codes for Reporting Osseous Surgery, K80.00 (calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction, K80.01 (calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis with obstruction, K80.10 (calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.11 (calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.12 (calculus of gallbladder with acute and chronic cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.13 (calculus of gallbladder with acute and chronic cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.18 (calculus of gallbladder with other cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.19 (calculus of gallbladder with other cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.20 (calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.21 (calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.30 (calculus of bile duct with cholangitis, unspecified, without obstruction, K80.31 (calculus of bile duct with cholangitis, unspecified, with obstruction), K80.32 (calculus of bile duct with cholangitis, without obstruction), K80.33 (calculus of bile duct with cholangitis, with obstruction), K80.34 (calculus of bile duct with chronic cholangitis, without obstruction), K80.35 (calculus of bile duct with chronic cholangitis, with obstruction), K80.36 (calculus of bile duct with acute and chronic cholangitis, without obstruction), K80.37 (calculus of bile duct with acute and chronic cholangitis, with obstruction), K80.40 (calculus of bile duct with cholecystitis, unspsecified without obstruction), K80.41 (calculus of bile duct with cholecystitis, unspecified, with obstruction), K80.42 (calculus of bile duct with acute cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.43 (calculus of bile duct with acute cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.44 (calculus of bile duct with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.45 (calculus of bile duct with chronic cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.46 (calculus of bile duct with acute and chronic cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.47 (calculus of bile duct with acute and chronic cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.50 (calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.51 (calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.60 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with cholecystitis, unspecified, without obstruction), K80.61 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with cholecystitis, unspecified, with obstruction), K80.62 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with acute cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.63 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with acute cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.64 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.65 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with chronic cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.66 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with acute and chronic cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.67 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with acute and chronic cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.7 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct without cholecystitis), K80.70 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct without cholecystitis without obstruction), K80.71 (calculus of gallbladder and bile duct without cholecystitis with obstruction), K80.80 (other cholelithiasis without obstruction), K80.81 other cholelithiasis with obstruction), K81.2 (acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitis), 47562 (laparoscopic cholecystectomy without cholangiography), 47563 (laparoscopic cholecystectomy with cholangiography), 47564 (laparoscopic cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct), 47600 (cholecystectomy without cholangiography), 47605 (cholecystectomy with cholangiography), 47610 (cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct), 47612 (cholecystectomy with exploration of common bile duct; with choledochoenterostomy), 47620 (cholecystectomy with exploration of common duct; with transduodenal sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty, with or without cholangiography). You may appropriately bill the extra time using modifier -22. MeSH 3 With these . Appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy CPT code (s): 44950, 44955, 44960, 44970 Cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Answered 1 year ago. A few small cuts are required for this procedure. Only the code for the successful procedure, in this case the open cholecystectomy, should be reported. If a significant amount of time was spent attempting the closed procedure, and this is documented, a 22 modifier for increased procedural services may be appended to the open code. Select Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedures with and without Common Bile Duct Exploration (CBDE) . . In addition, CPT codes 47562 and 47563 describe more complex surgical procedures that have a 090-day global period compared with 47560 which has a 000-day global period. Verified questions. It is the preferred procedure for stones removal and inflammation in gall bladder. However, the key diagnostic method used today is imaging. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Laboratory tests used to show evidence of gall bladder disease include liver tests, check of bloods amylase or lipase levels, and complete blood count (CBC). Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes. These codes which correspond to similar open procedures that follow in the CPT manual are arranged sequentially (i.e., 47563 includes 47562 plus cholangiography, and 47564 includes 47563 plus exploration of common duct). Test us for free with a no obligation trial, get the pricing, and then decide if we are a good fit. How would I code these two procedures? Verified. Other Policies and Guidelines may apply. Answer: 47562 laparoscopy, surgical; cholecystectomy; Additionally, CPT code 47563 was reviewed in October 2010. and surgeons in the laparoscopic group will aim for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with conversion to open cholecystectomy if this is indicated. CPT Code For Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, PeekaPoo - Size, Character, Breeders, Mix, Color, Sale, Price, Southdown Sheep Disadvantages, Advantages, Characteristics, Price, Simangus Cattle Disadvantages, Advantages, Facts, Price, Murray Grey Cattle Pros and Cons, Facts, Price, Balancer Cattle Pros & Cons, Characteristics, Origin, Weight, Black Baldy Cattle Advantages, Disadvantages, Characteristics, Uses, Hampshire Sheep Pros and Cons, Temperament, Price. 2022 Oct-Dec;12(4):56-63. doi: 10.4103/jwas.jwas_162_22. CPT Code: 47562, 47563 Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This study aims to evaluate the reasons for conversion of this operation in the current era of laparoscopic surgery. It appears that national coder websites and coder discussion boards have been providing incorrect coding guidance, which may represent the root cause of the coding confusion. Six B. This approach involves a picture or minor incision through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary using instrumentation to reach the site for the procedure. Outpatient procedure costs include the hospital payment for all lines on the outpatient claim for the surgery. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy . Eighty-six patients (2.6%) required conversion to open cholecystectomy during the study period. 2022 Dec;36(12):9321-9328. doi: 10.1007/s00464-022-09206-w. Epub 2022 Apr 12. Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. They may inadvertently add things they didnt do or leave out things they did. All Rights Reserved. Modifiable lifestyle risk factors include obesity, high fat or high-cholesterol diet, and diabetes. If there is a low risk of complications, the surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. caffeine, which is often in tea, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks. People who have had gallbladder removal surgery should avoid certain foods, including: The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing. Divide the hepatocolic ligament to allow mobilization of the hepatic flexure. It is a common treatment of symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. The surgery involves a few small incisions, and most people go home the same day and soon return to normal activities. abandon the laparoscopic approach and perform an open procedure. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It is a common treatment of symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. In this situation, appending modifier -22 to the open cholecystectomy code may be appropriate because the patients condition required more time and effort. Use the table table to answer this item. Although the wRVUs for 47562 and 47563 do not reflect the RUC review of survey data and RUC recommendation, their work RVUs are correctly ranked. Seven C. Four D. Five, The fifth character of the ICD-10-PCS code is for the approach, which identifies the method used to reach the . Code History 2016 (effective 10/1/2015) : New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-PCS) Scenario #2. Ghazal AH, Sorour MA, El-Riwini M, El-Bahrawy H. Int J Surg. You perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a patient and as part of your . For example, if the surgeon must perform extensive lysis of adhesions, 44200 (laparoscopy, surgical; enterolysis [freeing of intestinal adhesion] [separate procedure]) cannot be billed in addition to 47562 because the codes are bundled in the national Correct Coding Initiative (just as 44005, the code for open lysis of adhesions, is bundled to 47600, the open cholecystectomy code). Listing of a code in this guideline does not imply that the service described by the code is a covered or non-covered health service. Additional ports are opened inferior to the ribs at the epigastric, midclavicular, and anterior axillary positions. The authors concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed as true outpatients within hours of completion of the procedure. Evaluation of Preoperative Risk Factor for Converting Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy: A Meta-Analysis. An article in the June 1, 2016 Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) cautions that medical coding service providers should read the physicians operative report carefully to identify all valid diagnoses, or else it would lead to loss of revenue for the physician. Free market-loving, price-displaying, state-of-the-art, AAAHC accredited, doctor owned, multispecialty surgical facility in central OK.Liquid Media. Management of iatrogenic common bile duct injuries: An experience in Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Surg Endosc. Accomplish the anastomosis between the ileum and the remaining ascending colon by stapling with a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler to join the two limbs of bowel. The camera is placed through the umbilical port and the abdominal cavity is inspected. As a result, the surgeon converts to an open procedure. Gallbladder adhesion degree as predictor of conversion surgery, common bile duct injury and resurgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A cross-sectional study. What is the root operation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy? perform extensive lysis of adhesions; All our content are education purpose only. Z53.31 Laparoscopic procedure converted to open Z53.32 Thoracoscopic procedure converted to open Z53.33 Arthroscopic procedure converted to open Z53.39 Other specific procedure converted to open The primary treatment for gallstones that cause pain, inflammation, or infection is cholecystectomy or removal of the gallbladder. At that time the RUC recommended a wRVU of 12.11 for CPT code 47563, however, CMS reduced the value to 11.47. The ACS, ASCRS, and SAGES agree that the procedures described as open in the CPT code set have always clearly meant that a laparotomy was performed and that the procedures described as laparoscopic have always clearly meant that the beginning, end, and most or all of the work in . All Rights Reserved to AMA. In one cross-sectional study, the conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery for cholecystectomy was only 0.6% (Yuda Handaya et al., 2021). Different techniques have been described to reduce the incidence of this complication, and near-infrared . Spending an extra 20 or 30 minutes is probably not enough, Elliott says, because fees are based on the average time it takes to perform the procedure. She has over five years of experience in medical coding and Health Information Management practices. If you find anything not as per policy. One of the most common abdominal surgical procedures is cholecystectomy. Laparoscope helps to view inside imaging on screen and removal of gall bladder. Conversion to open cholecystectomy . In this situation, only 47605 (cholecystecomy; with cholangiography) should be billed. Then mobilize the terminal ileum and ascending colon by incising the lateral peritoneal attachments. Given the success with this operative approach, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard for the surgical treatment of gallstone disease. Careers. The willingness and ability of surgeons to convert to open cholecystectomy continues to be important to the safety of this operation. An example of this situation is a failed laparoscopic cholecystectomy, followed by an open cholecystectomy at the same session. CPT Code: 47562, 47563. The cholecystectomy code that includes the cholangiogram is 47563. In fact, cholecystitis is one of the most common disorders that medical coding and billing companies help gastroenterologists report. The average duration of the procedure should be contrasted with the time spent during the session. Intraoperative complexity and risk factors associated with conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in eight hospitals in Mexico City. It is a common treatment of symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. Medical risk factors include being pregnant, taking medications to control cholesterol, and taking medications with high estrogen content. Natalie joined MOS Revenue Cycle Management Division in October 2011. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for benign gallbladder pathologies. S syllingk Guest Messages Second, the method used to perform most of the procedurevia laparoscopy or via a laparotomyestablishes the appropriate code to report. The surgeon initially works on the fundus of the gallbladder lysing adhesions and delineating anatomy and the approach appears to be correct. The 57 modifier indicates that the E & M was the decision for surgery E & M. You will also code 44970 for the laparoscopic appendectomy. (b) When some circumstance or problem is present which influences the person's health status but is not in itself a current illness or injury. Example: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to an open cholecystectomy is coded as percutaneous endoscopic Inspection and open Resection.