June 11, 2015

Question:

During the second stage of tissue expander breast reconstruction, when I’m removing the tissue expander and placing the permanent prosthesis, I also excise some lateral excess tissue to give a better cosmetic result. Can I charge 19380 (Revision of reconstructed breast) for this in addition to the code for the exchange procedure?

Answer:

No, this is not an accurate use of 19380. Typically this service is included in the code for the primary procedure.