
The following example shows both methods of reporting bilateral reducible inguinal Occurs when the abdominal content protrudes through a soft spot in the muscles of the lower abdomen.Groin Hernia
What is the best method of inguinal hernia repair?
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Is there a cure for a bilateral hernia?
There is no cure for symptomatic bilateral hernias except surgery. However, if the bilateral hernias are not bothering you, they may not require any treatment. In painful cases, hernias can be repaired either by a herniorrhaphy or a hernioplasty. In a herniorrhaphy the doctor will make an incision, push your intestine behind your abdominal wall, and sew the muscles together.
What should I expect from inguinal hernia repair?
What to Expect
- Surgery & Follow-up. Expect to go home after surgery, so plan for a friend/family member to drive you home.
- Diet. ...
- Wound care. ...
- Activity. ...
- Work. ...
- Driving. ...
- Bowel Movements. ...
- Seroma. ...
- Pain (male patients only) It is expected that your scrotum may be slightly swollen or tender. ...
- When to call
What are the risks of having inguinal hernia repair surgery?
What Are the Risk Factors for Hernia Repair?
- Age. Anyone can develop a hernia regardless of their age. ...
- Pregnancy. Some women develop a hernia during their time of pregnancy. ...
- Obesity. Abdominal wall hernias are most common for obese individuals. ...
- Family History. In some studies, a family history of hernia shows an association with developing a recurring hernia.
- Irregular Bowel Movement. ...
- Smoking Habits. ...

Is bilateral inguinal hernia repair?
Procedure for Inguinal Hernia-Bilateral Repair Surgery Bilateral Hernias can be repaired through traditional open surgery using two incisions, or in a single laparoscopic procedure. Open Surgery: General anesthesia will be used, so you will not be awake during the surgery.
How do you code multiple hernia repairs?
If two separate and distinct hernias were repaired (such as parastomal and ventral), then it is appropriate to also report code 9560 with a multiple procedure modifier –51. If mesh was used for the ventral hernia repair, use 9568 as an add-on code.
What is the CPT code for inguinal hernia repair with mesh?
CPT® lists only three codes for laparoscopic hernia repair, including two codes for inguinal hernia repair (49650, any initial repair and 49561, all recurrent repairs) and a single unlisted-procedure code, 49659, to cover laparoscopic repairs of all other hernia types, regardless of patient age or initial/recurrent, ...
What is bilateral inguinal hernia?
Bilateral hernias are groin (or inguinal) hernias those that occur on both sides of the lower abdomen or groin. Bilateral inguinal hernias result from a weakness of the fascia in the abdominal wall of the groin.
What is the CPT code for bilateral inguinal hernia repair?
Codes 49491–49651 describe unilateral hernia repair procedures; if performed bilaterally (same approach, same condition), append modifier 50 Bilateral procedure to the appropriate code to report bilateral hernia repair (e.g., bilateral recurrent inguinal hernias).
What is ICD-10 code for bilateral inguinal hernia?
21 for Bilateral inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene, recurrent is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the digestive system .
Can CPT code 15734 be billed bilaterally?
The work related to the hernia repair is reported with the appropriate hernia repair code and the work related to the component separation procedure is reported with code 15734, Muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flap, trunk. Medicare guidelines do not allow use of modifier 50 (bilateral procedure) with 15734.
Is mesh included in 49507?
The mesh is not separately reportable as it is an inherent part of the procedure; it was necessary in order to complete the repair of the hernia. CPT code 49507 would be the CPT code that would be reported in this case.
Is mesh included in CPT 49505?
You can only charge for implantation of mesh for ventral and incisional hernias. You can not use it with code 49505, as it is an inguinal hernia and the mesh is included.
Can you get an inguinal hernia on both sides?
Inguinal hernias may occur on one or both sides of the body and are much more common in men than women. An inguinal hernia can appear at any age.
Which surgery is best for bilateral inguinal hernia?
The open surgical repair of primary inguinal hernias is better than the laparoscopic technique for mesh repair, a new study has shown (New England Journal of Medicine 2004;350: 1819-27 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]).
How is bilateral hernia treated?
Minimally invasive hernia surgery allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia repair, so it might be a good choice for people whose hernias recur after open hernia surgery. It also might be a good choice for people with hernias on both sides of the body (bilateral).
How are hernia repairs are often categorized?
In general, hernia surgeries are classified as herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty. Hernia repairs are day surgeries, so people go home a few hours afterward. Hernia surgeries are considered fairly safe and effective.
Does CPT 49650 need a modifier?
The payer allowed 49650-SG-RT and denied the 49650-SG-LT as too many units because bilateral procedures performed in an ASC or in Outpatient Setting, according to Medicare OPPS rules, require Modifier 50 to be used on one line on the claim form.”
Does 49650 include mesh?
The use of mesh or other prosthesis is considered inherent to all laparoscopic hernia repairs (49650–49657) and to some of the open hernia repair codes, including inguinal (49491–49525), lumbar (49540), femoral (49550–49557), epigastric (49570–49572), umbilical (49580–49587), and spigelian (49590).
What hernia repair codes can be reported with 49568?
CPT code 49568 is an AOC describing implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for incisional or ventral hernia repair. This code may be reported with incisional or ventral hernia repair CPT codes 49560-49566.
What is the code for a hernia repair?
Voilà, you’re done. If it’s open, you have a bit more work to do, so turn to code range 49491–49611 for open hernia repair.
What determines correct coding of a hernia?
Another factor that determines correct coding is the clinical presentation of the hernia. When the contents of the hernia sac return to their normal location spontaneously or by gentle manipulation, the hernia is considered reducible. While moving the contents may make the hernia appear smaller or disappear, the weakened tissue still needs to be repaired to avoid recurrence of the hernia.
Why do surgeons use mesh?
Surgeons will often place a piece of prosthetic mesh to help strengthen the area of the abdominal wall being repaired and provide additional support to the damaged tissue. Hernia mesh is used in 90 percent of hernia surgeries and, when used and placed correctly, reduces the risk of recurrence.
What is abdominal surgery?
Surgery is directed at permanently closing off the orifice through which the abdominal contents protrude, after returning them to the abdominal cavity. Usually, an incision is made over the hernia and the hernia sac is dissected from any surrounding structures.
Why are incarcerated hernias more dangerous than incarcerated hernias?
Incarcerated hernias are more worrisome because they run a greater likelihood of becoming strangulated, which is when the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is cut off as the vessels pass through the neck of the hernia. This is dangerous, due to the risk of gangrene when tissues die, and can be life-threatening if it isn’t treated.
Why does my hernia protrude?
This abnormal protrusion occurs due to a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue (fascia). In some cases, only an empty sac protrudes through, but if the defect is large enough, the hernia sac can contain abdominal contents, typically part of the intestine.
Where is the spigelian fascia located?
It protrudes through the spigelian fascia, the layer of tissue located between the semilunar line and the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis muscle.
When was the last update in hernia coding?
The last update in hernia coding was in 2009.
What is abdominal hernia?
An abdominal hernia is a protrusion of part of the intestines through a weakened section of the abdominal cavity; herniations can occur in other parts of the body, such as muscle herniations. This article addresses abdominal hernias. Surgery is directed at permanently closing off the orifice through which the abdominal structures protrude.
What is CPT code 49659?
CPT ® code 49659, unlisted laparoscopy procedure, hernioplasty, herniorrhaphy, herniotomy is reported when a CPT ® code does not exist for the type of repair performed.
Is a hernia surgically reduced?
Surgery is directed at permanently closing off the orifice through which the abdominal structures protrude. Sometimes, the hernia can be manually reduced, but this is not a permanent intervention. There isn’t a code for medical reduction of a hernia, it is part of an E/M service.
Can you report a ventral hernia repair separately?
If either an incisional or ventral hernia repair is done at the time of another abdominal procedure, through the same incision, do not separately report the hernia repair. It is considered inclusive of the other procedure.
How to repair bilateral hernia?
Bilateral Hernias can be repaired through traditional open surgery using two incisions, or in a single laparoscopic procedure.
Why do bilateral hernias develop?
This weakness can develop because of poor fetal development or stress in the abdomen.
What is the best way to close up a hernia?
Stitches will be used to close up the tear or strengthen weak abdominal muscles. Sometimes mesh is attached to strengthen the abdominal tissues and reduce the risk of another hernia. Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy can be used when the hernia is small in size and easy to access.
How long does it take to get up after laparoscopy?
This surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure. If you have traditional surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery. With laparoscopy, you will probably be able to get back to your normal activities within a few days.
Can bilateral hernias be treated?
Early treatment can help cure Bilateral Inguinal Hernias. However, there is always the slight risk of complications, such as infection after surgery, scars, and the recurrence of the hernias. Call your doctor if you experience new symptoms or if side effects occur after treatment. Although you cannot prevent genetic defects that may cause the hernias, you can possibly lessen their severity by:
Can a surgeon make a hernia incision?
Your surgeon might decide on a local anesthesia if the hernia is small. In this case, you will be aware, but will receive medications to numb the pain and help you relax. The surgeon will make an incision, locate the hernia, and separate it from surrounding tissues.
Is a left inguinal hernia occult?
Definition: Simultaneous Right and Left Inguinal Hernia. If a left Inguinal Hernia is present, there is a 25% risk of an occult right inguinal hernia. Both Inguinal Hernias may be repaired with one surgical procedure at the same time.
What is hernia repair?
Hernia repair includes isolation and dissection of the hernia sac, reduction of intraperitoneal contents, fascial repair, and soft tissue closure. In 1993, the ACS submitted a code change proposal to the American Medical Association CPT Editorial Panel to revise hernia coding in 1994 based on several variables, including the following:
What is the CPT code for an inguinal hernia?
As identified in Table 1 only the codes for open repair of inguinal hernias (49491–49525) or umbilical hernias (49580–49587) have distinct codes based on the age of the patient. Until 1994, separate repair codes were used to report incarcerated hernias and strangulated hernias. These two patient presentations were combined in the 1994 CPT revision. Until 1994, separate codes were used to report different approaches to hernia repair, such as an inguinal approach versus an anterior extraperitoneal approach (Henry) for a femoral hernia repair. Beginning in 1994, all open hernia repair codes were categorized as reducible or incarcerated/strangulated, except for the rare lumbar hernia repair (49540) or rare spigelian hernia repair (49590).
What is the code for mesh incisional hernia repair?
Implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for open incisional or ventral hernia repair or mesh for closure of debridement for necrotizing soft tissue infection (List separately in addition to code for the incisional or ventral hernia repair) (Use 49568 in conjunction with 11004–11006, 49560–49566)
How old is a baby when it has an inguinal hernia?
Repair, initial inguinal hernia, full term infant younger than age 6 months, or preterm infant older than 50 weeks postconception age and younger than age 6 months at the time of surgery, with or without hydrocelectomy; incarcerated or strangulated
How old is a child when they have an inguinal hernia repaired?
Repair, initial inguinal hernia, full term infant younger than age 6 months, or preterm infant older than 50 weeks postconception age and younger than age 6 months at the time of surgery, with or without hydrocelectomy; reducible. 6.20. 10.93. 49496.
Why is a hernia considered incarcerated?
A hernia should be considered incarcerated if, at the time of the operation, it contains viscera that the surgeon must manually reduce. It should be considered strangulated if the incarcerated contents have evidence of ischemia due to compression of the vascular supply.
What is the code for mesh in a hernia?
Code 49568, Implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for open incisional or ventral hernia repair or mesh for closure of debridement for necrotizing soft tissue infection (List separately in addition to code for the incisional or ventral hernia repair), may be reported only once in addition to the open incisional or ventral hernia repair code (49560–49566), as applicable. Medicare rules do not permit appending modifier 50 to code 49568 for bilateral hernia repair. Code 49568 includes the work of placing the mesh, independent of the size of mesh used. It is the facility’s responsibility to report the type and size of mesh used; the surgeon only reports code 49568 .
What happens when a hernia is closed?
When closing, the surgeon then has to suture or staple all the layers of the abdominal wall. In doing so, he will incidentally repair any hernia defect in the layers of the abdominal wall along that incision. For this reason, hernia repairs at the site of incisions for another abdominal procedure become part of opening and closing the abdomen. ...
What does "e.g." mean in a hernia code?
However, the code ranges are preceded by an “e.g.” which means “for example.”.
What is a hernia in the body?
A hernia is a defect in the wall of a body cavity that allows the organs to protrude from their normal location. In the case of hernias along the abdominal wall, you have a defect (or an abnormal opening) in the layers of the abdominal wall.
Is a hernia repair reportable?
The hernia repair is separately reportable if it is performed at a site other than the incision and is medically reasonable and necessary .”. As you can see, we first need to identify if the hernia repair occurs along the incision line for another abdominal procedure.
Can you code a hernia repair in addition to another abdominal procedure performed during the same surgery?
Can you code a hernia repair in addition to another abdominal procedure performed during the same surgery? It depends on the relationship between the site of the hernia and the incision for that abdominal procedure.
Is double dipping done on abdominal wall?
In this case, there is no “double dipping” on the opening and closing of the abdominal wall because the intra-abdominal procedure requires an incision into the abdomen and repair of the abdominal wall, and the hernia at a separate site also requires an incision into and repair of the abdominal wall so there is distinct work being performed.
Can you report a hernia repair code?
You can report a hernia repair code and a code for an intra-abdominal procedure together if the hernia is repaired at a separate site through a separate incision from the open or laparoscopic incisions used for the intra-abdominal procedure.
