How To Use CPT Code 49905

CPT 49905 describes the repositioning of an omental flap during an abdominal surgery to fill a defect. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 49905?

CPT 49905 can be used to describe the repositioning of an omental flap during an abdominal surgery to fill a defect. This code is used when the provider rotates the flap into place without disrupting its vascular supply.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 49905 is: ‘Omental flap, intra-abdominal (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’. It is important to note that CPT code 49905 should not be reported in conjunction with code 44700.

3. Procedure

1. During an abdominal surgery through a laparotomy incision, the provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. The provider develops the omental flap, taking care to preserve its vascular attachments.
3. The flap is rotated into position to fill the defect requiring repair.
4. The provider secures the flap in place using staples or sutures.
5. The primary reconstructive procedure is then continued.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 49905 is used when the patient undergoes a reconstructive surgery in the abdomen through a laparotomy incision and requires the repositioning of an omental flap to fill a defect. The provider must take care to preserve the vascular attachments of the flap during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 49905

CPT code 49905 should be used when the repositioning of an omental flap is performed during an abdominal surgery to fill a defect. It should not be reported without an appropriate primary code, and it should not be reported in conjunction with code 44700.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 49905, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the defect requiring repair
• Details of the omental flap repositioning procedure
• Date of the surgery
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 49905, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances and is performed during an abdominal surgery. Do not report CPT 49905 in conjunction with code 44700. It is important to use an appropriate primary code when reporting CPT 49905, as it is an add-on code. Payers may not reimburse if CPT 49905 is reported without an appropriate primary code.

8. Historical information

CPT 49905 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. However, it is important to note that Medicare added CPT 49905 to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider repositions an omental flap during an abdominal surgery to fill a defect caused by a previous injury.
2. During a reconstructive surgery, a surgeon rotates an omental flap into place to repair a sternal and chest wall defect.
3. An abdominal surgeon uses an omental flap to fill a defect in the abdominal cavity caused by the removal of a tumor.
4. A patient undergoes an abdominal surgery, and the provider repositions an omental flap to repair a defect in the abdominal wall.
5. A surgeon performs an abdominal surgery and uses an omental flap to fill a defect in the chest cavity caused by trauma.
6. During a reconstructive procedure, a provider repositions an omental flap to repair a defect in the abdominal wall caused by a previous surgery.
7. An omental flap is rotated into place during an abdominal surgery to fill a defect in the peritoneal cavity.
8. A surgeon uses an omental flap to repair a defect in the abdominal wall caused by an infection.
9. During an abdominal surgery, a provider repositions an omental flap to fill a defect in the pelvic cavity.
10. An omental flap is used to repair a defect in the abdominal wall caused by a congenital anomaly during a reconstructive surgery.