06-26-2026 Surgeries are Cumulative
Scenario:
- Previous right colon cancer > than 10 years ago, status post right hemicolectomy. The patient recently had GI bleeding and colonoscopy showed recurrent colon cancer at the anastomosis between the transverse colon and the small intestine. Presents for Laparoscopic hand assisted resection of transverse colon
Question: How will you code the Laparoscopic hand assisted resection of transverse colon?
- B300 Partial colectomy, removal of one or more segments with colon resection but less than half of colon
is removed
- B400 Hemicolectomy (total right or left colon and a portion of the transverse colon)
Answer: B400 Hemicolectomy (total right or left colon and a portion of the transverse colon)
SEER/STORE –Surgery of Primary Site 2023
Assign the code that reflects the cumulative effect of all surgeries to the primary site.
- When a previous surgical procedure to remove a portion of the primary site is followed by surgery to remove the remainder of the primary site, code the total or final results. Do not rely on registry software to perform this task.
