Final answer:
When coding a biopsy followed by definitive surgery for a frozen section with ICD-9-CM codes, both the biopsy and the surgery are coded separately, and the exact codes depend on the procedure details and pathology results.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient undergoes a biopsy immediately before the definitive surgery for a frozen section, the coding with ICD-9-CM codes should reflect both the biopsy procedure and the definitive surgical procedure. In ICD-9-CM, procedures are coded separately. Typically, the biopsy done in this context is part of the intraoperative decision-making process. It helps determine the extent of disease and guides the surgical approach. The frozen section is often coded as a separate procedure from the definitive surgery because it is performed immediately and examined quickly while the patient is still under anesthesia. The exact codes will depend on the specifics of the procedures and the pathology involved.