Final answer:
To code the operative episode involving excision of a pancreatic lesion followed by IORT, one would need to use the appropriate CPT codes for each step of the procedure, taking into consideration the details of the surgery, the use of intraoperative radiation, and the closure of the operation site.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coding of the operative episode which involved surgical excision of a malignant lesion of the pancreas, followed by intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), and then closure of the operative wound involves using specific medical codes that identify each step of the procedure. This typically involves using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for the surgical excision, the IORT, and any additional procedures such as the closure of the operation site.
For the surgical excision, the specific CPT code would depend on the details of the surgery such as the extent of the resection and whether any adjacent structures were involved or removed. For intraoperative radiation therapy, there is a specific CPT code that would indicate that radiation was delivered during surgery. Finally, the closure of the operative wound is usually included in the primary procedure code, but additional codes may be needed if there were complicating factors or if a complex closure technique was used.
It is important that the medical professional coding the procedure consults the most current CPT coding manuals and guidelines, and that the codes reflect the exact procedures that were performed. Incorrect coding can lead to issues with billing and insurance reimbursement.