PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Cyst of Mediastinal Wall
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Tumor of Mediastinal Wall
A physician removed 1.5 cm mass from mediastinal wall, along with appropriate margins. The tumor was sent to pathology to determine the malignancy status.
What is the correct code for this procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct code for this procedure is 39220 (Resection of Mediastinal Tumor). There are only two codes for the removal or resection of a mediastinal mass. Code 39200 is for the removal of a mediastinal cyst, whereas code 39220 is for the removal of a tumor. The postoperative diagnosis states that the mass is a tumor, therefore code 39220 is the most appropriate code for this service.