A patient was taken to the OR to have a bowel resection of the sigmoid colon and a permanent colostomy. What is the correct code for the colostomy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A permanent colostomy is coded as a creation of an artificial opening (0D1), in the large intestine (N), via an approach that does not involve an incision into the peritoneal cavity (0), with a qualifier of no device left in place (Z), for the fourth character. The fifth character is based on the specific portion of the large intestine involved, and since this patient had a sigmoid colon resection, it would be coded as 0D1N0. The sixth character specifies the type of procedure or device used to create the colostomy, and since no specific device or method is given, it is coded as Z. The seventh character specifies the reason for the encounter, and since this was a planned procedure and not an emergency, it would be coded as 4. Putting it all together, the correct code is 0D1N0Z4.

A Patient Was Taken to the OR to Have a Bowel