Coding Guidelines for Surgical Bundling
Surgical bundling is a crucial concept in medical coding, especially when dealing with procedural codes under the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) system. Bundling refers to the practice of combining multiple services or procedures into a single code, which ensures accurate reimbursement and prevents overbilling. This blog explores the coding guidelines and best practices for surgical bundling, helping coders maintain compliance and accuracy. What is Surgical Bundling? Surgical bundling occurs when two or more procedures that are typically performed together are combined under one CPT code, rather than being billed separately. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurers often establish these bundled services to avoid duplicate payments for components of a comprehensive procedure. For example, during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, steps like trocar insertion or exploration of the abdominal cavity may be bundled within the primary code (e.g., 47562) a...