Question

When a Surgery section code has a plus sign next to it:

a) It indicates a new procedure code.
b) It signifies an add-on code.
c) It denotes a modifier requirement.
d) It implies a bundled service.

Answer 1

When a Surgery section code has a plus sign next to it, it signifies an add-on code. Add-on codes are used to report additional services or procedures performed during a primary procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a Surgery section code has a plus sign next to it, it signifies an add-on code. Add-on codes are used to report additional services or procedures performed during a primary procedure. These codes are used to provide additional specificity to the primary procedure code.

For example, if a surgeon is performing a primary procedure such as a knee replacement (code 27447), there may be additional procedures or services performed during the same surgical session, such as a removal of loose bodies from the knee joint (code 29870). In this case, code 29870 would be reported as an add-on code with the plus sign, indicating that it is an additional procedure performed during the knee replacement.

It's important to note that add-on codes can only be reported in conjunction with a primary procedure code, and they cannot be reported alone or without the primary code.