Is only for open, not lap? So then why are so many surgeons using the CPt code for the DS but doing it lap, which is fraud.
That’s what I figured, Diana, but some surgeons are being super careful.CPT is like Basque - very few people speak it and they don’t necessarily use dictionary definitions is speaking it.
The definition of the code is worded wrong IMHO but everyone, including insurance companies, ignores the “open” in the definition. I’ve never heard of it being rejected post-op for a lab procedure. Some surgeons are uber-careful and use a non-specific code with explanation though.