Q How should I bill for a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy?
A If the ovaries are not removed, your code choices are 58550 (laparoscopy surgical with vaginal hysterectomy for uterus 250 grams or less) or 58553 (laparoscopy surgical with vaginal hysterectomy for uterus greater than 250 grams).
But you need to add a modifier -52 (reduced services) because the surgeon elected not to remove the cervix.
Keep in mind that a new “S” code (S2078, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy [subtotal hysterectomy] with or without removal of tube[s], with or without removal of ovary[s]) is added to the national code set by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
If you are billing a carrier that uses the “S” codes for processing claims, you must use the S code instead of code 58550/58553-52.
Ms. Witt, former program manager in the Department of Coding and Nomenclature at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, is an independent coding and documentation consultant. Reimbursement Adviser reflects the most commonly accepted interpretations of CPT-4 and ICD-9-CM coding. When in doubt on a coding or billing matter, check with your individual payer.