On Demand: Cardiothoracic Series 2: Coding for Thoracic Procedures-Webinar Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This video is part of a series on cardiothoracic surgery coding, particularly focusing on thoracic procedures and lung anatomy. Jolene Bruder, the manager of surgery coding at MedAxiom, conducts this session. She outlines several key subjects, including relevant procedures such as mediastinotomies, bronchoscopy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATS).<br /><br />Ms. Bruder provides guidance on the coding process for different thoracic surgical procedures, emphasizing the importance of proper coding to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. She describes lung anatomy and clarifies codes associated with various surgical methods, such as wedge resection (both diagnostic and therapeutic), pleurodesis procedures, and the removal of lung segments or lobes.<br /><br />Some points of emphasis include that for bronchoscopy, multiple procedures can be billed together, though subsequent ones may be subject to reduced reimbursement. Important distinctions are made between diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, highlighting that proper identification aids accurate coding. Further, she advises on handling challenging coding scenarios, like when chest surgeries are left open, where modifiers should not reduce the procedural code's charges.<br /><br />The session progresses with case studies for practical application, touching on procedures for pneumonectomy, lobectomy, lymphadenectomy, and more. Ms. Bruder stresses the importance of detailed provider documentation to ensure proper coding and reimbursement. Additionally, she discusses various approaches and necessary actions involved in complex thoracic surgeries, including the implications for post-operative billing.<br /><br />The video concludes with an encouragement to attend upcoming webinars for insights into coding changes and further expertise in cardiovascular care coding practices.

Keywords

cardiothoracic surgery

thoracic procedures

lung anatomy

surgery coding

mediastinotomies

bronchoscopy

VATS

wedge resection

pleurodesis

pneumonectomy

lobectomy

coding reimbursement