October 5, 2023

Question:
How is a Rive-Stoppa billed with an incisional hernia repair? I’m being told it is a rectus advancement flap and is coded as 15734.

Answer:
Rives-Stoppa is an incisional hernia repair procedure in which mesh or other prosthesis is placed between the rectus abdominis muscle and the posterior sheath. Rives-Stoppa is considered mesh placement, and as of 2023, mesh placement is included with all hernia repairs.

It is incorrect to report 15734 for a standard Rives-Stoppa repair. Code 15734 may be reported only when musculofascial flaps are created by myofascial release.

Source: ACS Bulletin April

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/5/23.