Forceps Transbronchial Biopsy

 

This is to inform everyone that there has been a change of advice from AHA Coding Clinic on the correct coding of transbronchial biopsies performed with the use of forceps.

 

The original response from AHA Coding Clinic stated that documentation of the use of forceps to perform transbronchial biopsies was not sufficient to determine the root operation performed (Excision or Extraction). A provider query should be submitted to determine the correct root operation for ICD-10-PCS code assignment.

 

AHA Coding Clinic recently submitted the question to the Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) and has now updated their response. EAB has reviewed and stated “Forceps are a type of cutting tool. Typically, forceps are used to remove an intact piece of tissue and the use of forceps is coded to the root operation Excision, whereas a needle aspiration is a collection of individual cells and is coded to the root operation Extraction.”

 

When transbronchial biopsies are performed with the use of forceps should be coded to the root operation Excision per EAB advice. Please note, this applies to forceps transbronchial biopsies only. Transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies and transbronchial Cryobiopsies should still be coded to the root operation Extraction.