A physician performed a repair of the diaphragmatic hernia on a 15-day-old female with the creation of a ventral hernia. What is the correct code for this service?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct code for this service is 39503 (Repair, Neonatal Diaphragmatic Hernia, with or without Chest Tube Insertion and with or without Creation of Ventral Hernia). Code 39540 (Repair, Diaphragmatic Hernia (Other Than Neonatal), Traumatic; Acute) is inappropriate because the patient is only 15 days old, making her a neonate. Patients are considered neonates until 28 days of age.

A Physician Performed a Repair of the Diaphragmatic Hernia on a 15-Day-Old