July 23, 2020

Question:
I did a craniotomy for removal of a tumor but it had a hemorrhagic component to it so I also removed the hematoma. Can I code for both the tumor removal and removal of intracerebral hematoma?

Answer:
No – the hematoma removal is considered “incidental” to the tumor removal. Therefore, you’d code for the tumor removal only.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 7/23/20.