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The procedure described by CPT® Code 44960 refers to an appendectomy performed specifically for a ruptured appendix that has resulted in either an abscess or generalized peritonitis. In simpler terms, this surgical intervention involves the removal of an appendix that has burst, leading to the spread of infection within the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) or the formation of an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus. The surgery is typically conducted through an incision made in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, which is the area where the appendix is located. During the operation, the surgeon carefully navigates through the layers of abdominal muscles and the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, to access the affected appendix. The procedure includes a thorough inspection of the peritoneal fluid, which may be tested for infection, and involves meticulous dissection to mobilize the appendix for removal. The surgical technique ensures that any potential complications, such as bleeding or further infection, are addressed, and the abdominal cavity is cleaned and drained as necessary. This operation is critical in preventing further complications that can arise from a ruptured appendix, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 44960 is indicated for patients presenting with a ruptured appendix that has led to either an abscess formation or generalized peritonitis. The following conditions warrant this surgical intervention:
The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 44960 involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the ruptured appendix. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the appendectomy for a ruptured appendix, patients typically require careful monitoring and post-operative care. Expected recovery may involve managing pain, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper drainage if drains were placed. Patients may be advised on dietary modifications and activity restrictions during the initial recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and address any complications that may arise. The surgical site should be kept clean and dry, and any signs of increased redness, swelling, or discharge should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly. Overall, the post-procedure care is crucial for a successful recovery and to prevent further complications.
| Short Descr | APPENDECTOMY | Medium Descr | APPENDEC RPTD APPENDIX ABSC/PRITONITIS | Long Descr | Appendectomy; for ruptured appendix with abscess or generalized peritonitis | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 80 - Appendectomy |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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