Hernia Coding: Mesh Coding Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult--If You Follow These 4 Steps

Modifier 22 is the choice for difficult removal during hernia repair

Mesh placement may be common during hernia repair, but you can only bill separately for the procedure in a minority of cases. Make sure you know what they are.

1. Claim Placement With Incisional/Ventral Hernia

You may report separate placement of mesh (+49568, Implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for incisional or ventral hernia repair) only when the surgeon repairs an incisional or ventral hernia.

Get the specifics: Report 49568 with 49560 (Repair initial incisional or ventral hernia; reducible), 49561 (... incarcerated or strangulated), 49565 (Repair recurrent incisional or ventral hernia; reducible) [...]

- Published on 2012-01-20