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By: Lolita Jones
Published: 10/10/2007
Mesh is expensive, as are the open and laparoscopic hernia repair procedures in which they're used. Depending on material, thickness and the intricacy of the manufacturing process, hernia mesh can cost as much as $20 per square inch. Here's how to ensure you get paid for implanting it.
The codes and how to use them
There are five CPT codes specific to mesh:
According to the 2004 CPT code book (paragraphical note above code 49491), you should list code 49568 separately when mesh is used in addition to codes 49560, 49561, 49565 and 49566 for incisional or ventral hernia repair.
Don't, however, use code 49568 if your surgeon implants mesh laparoscopically. The appropriate method of reporting a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with implantation of mesh is with the unlisted laparoscopic hernia repair code 49569, according to the September 2001 CPT Assistant newsletter from the AMA.
Sample op report
Now let's take a look at a sample report to demonstrate how to use CPT codes 49565 and 49568.
Your payment opportunities
Unless the mesh is used for incisional or ventral hernia repair, where add-on code 49568 can be reported to generate additional revenue, most payers don't provide additional reimbursement for the use of mesh. However, a savvy facility administrator will try to negotiate an additional payment or carve-out for the use of mesh - the negotiations may or may not be successful, but it's worth a try. There's no specific HCPCS Level II code for mesh that surgery centers can use, so I recommend you use A4649 (miscellaneous surgical supply).
An audit of a surgery center's coding identified two accounts in which the mesh application for incisional hernia (49568) wasn't coded and billed.
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