Understanding and Coding Side-to-Side Anastomosis Procedures

The blood vessels in our body generally tend to branch out and then reconnect. When two blood vessels in our colon have been separated and closed off, they can be reconnected using a side to side anastomosis. These two blood vessels in the gut that were once closed now become continuous. For medical billing purposes, this procedure needs to be coded. Side to side anastomosis falls into the 45.90-45.95 category for surgical codes. For example, code 45.90 is titled intestinal anastomosis and it excludes end to end anastomosis which doesn't need a code.

Instructions

• 1

  In the medical billing search screen, search for code 45 in surgical codes.

• 2

  Scroll down and select 45.90 as the surgical code.

• 3

  In the details section, fill in side to side anastomosis.

• 4

  Press save for information to be recorded.