Coding a Colectomy with Diverting Ileostomy

Question:

How is a partial colectomy with diverting ileostomy coded? The partial colectomy codes say “with colostomy”.

Answer:

Thank you for asking. We have recently revised the recommendation for this procedure based on new information. It is appropriate to use codes that say “with colostomy” (for example, 44141, 44146, 44208) when a diverting ileostomy is performed instead of a colostomy. When these codes were originally valued the codes were valued foreither acolostomy or an ileostomy.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/19/17.