>
> Thought you'd like to see the latest.
>
> Question 12835: Our physicians say the excision of the lymph node
> is for diagnostic and staging not a surgically directed surgery so
> it should be coded 02 not 25. They said most lymphoma unless
> extranodal are not surgically resected.
>
> In Reply:
> We agree with your physicians that most lymphoma lymph node
> excisions are for diagnosis and staging and should be coded as a
> Surgical Diagnostic and Staging Procedure rather than a Surgical
> Procedure of the Primary Site. The latter code is provided for
> recording the less common situation when the procedure meets the
> definition of an excisional biopsy.
>
> Sincerely yours,
>
> I & R System
> American College of Surgeons
> Fax: 312-202-5009
> E-mail: inquiry@f...


I noticed that I&R didn't specify who's definition of an excisional
biopsy we are supposed to use.

Maybe they should have said "when the procedure meets the FORDS
definition of an excisional bx" and then refer us to the appropriate
page number.

Regards
Robo