1. HEMIC, LYMPHATIC, MEDIASTINUM, AND DIAPHRAGM
CHAPTER 17
HEMIC, LYMPHATIC, MEDIASTINUM, AND DIAPHRAGM

2. Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Subsection (Excision, repair, introduction)
Divisions
Spleen
General
Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic Channels (Figure 17–1 in text)
This subsection is divided into subheadings of Spleen, General, and Lymph Nodes/Lymphatic Channels.
Further division is based on type of procedure, such as excision, incision, or repair.
Where are the codes for spleen and lymph nodes located in the CPT manual Index? (Under main terms, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow)

3. Spleen (38100-38200) Spleen easily ruptured, causes massive hemorrhage
May require splenectomy
Splenectomy: total or partial
(Cont’d…)
Codes for spleen are further divided into excision, repair, laparoscopy, and introduction.
Why can a person live without a spleen? (The bone marrow, liver, and lymph nodes take over the work of the spleen)

4. Spleen (38100-38200) Often done as part of more major procedure
(…Cont’d)
Often done as part of more major procedure
Bundled into major procedure
Splenectomy carries the designation “(separate procedure)”; if the splenectomy is an integral part of another procedure, it is bundled into the main procedure code and is not reported separately.

5. General (38204-38242) Codes divided based on Stem cells Aspiration
Biopsy
Harvesting
Transplantation
Stem cells
Immature blood cells originating in bone marrow
Used in leukemia treatment
(Cont’d…)
What is a bone marrow needle aspiration? What is its code? (When a sample of bone marrow is withdrawn by a needle from the marrow cavity, 38220)
What is involved in a bone marrow biopsy? What is the code for this procedure? (Small pieces of marrow are withdrawn and the lab dissolves these in a solution. Then the substance is analyzed, )
What is bone marrow harvesting? What is the code for this procedure? (A larger amount of marrow is aspirated from a donor, 38230)
How is bone marrow transplanted? What is the code for this procedure? (Taken from donor and injected into the recipient, )

6. General (38204-38242) Types of stem cells: Allogenic: Close relative
(…Cont’d)
Types of stem cells:
Allogenic: Close relative
Autologous: Patient’s own
Autologous bone marrow is collected from the patient and reinfused later into the same patient.
Why would it be advantageous to collect stem cells from a close relative? (Because there is genetic similarity)
What are the codes for the harvesting and return of blood to the donor? ( )

7. Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic Channels (38300-38999)
Two types of lymphadenectomies:
Limited: Lymph nodes only
Radical: Lymph nodes, submandibular gland, and surrounding tissue
Term “complete” same as radical neck dissection
(Cont’d…)
What is the purpose of the lymphatic system? (To transport fluids, proteins, and fats through the lymphatic channels back to the blood stream)
A limited lymphadenectomy, reported with codes , consists of removal of only the lymph nodes.
A radical lymphadenectomy, reported with codes , involves removal of the lymph nodes, glands, and surrounding tissue.

8. Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic Channels (38300-38999)
(…Cont’d)
Submental and submandibular nodes, chin area and above mandible
Upper jugular nodes, at mandibular angle in front of sternocleidomastoid muscle
Middle jugular nodes, between hyoid bone and cricoid cartilage
Lower jugular nodes, between cricoid cartilage and clavicle
Posterior triangle nodes divided into groups
Upper visceral nodes, by the hyoid bone
Superior mediastinal nodes, between common carotid arteries
38700, 38720—are unilateral codes
(Cont’d…)

9. Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic Channels (38300-38999)
(…Cont’d)
“Modified” radical neck: removal of all lymph nodes routinely removed by radical neck dissection, while preserving the internal jugular vein, the spinal accessory nerve, and/or the sternocleidomastoid muscle (38724)
This is a unilateral procedure

10. Lymphadenectomies
Often bundled into more major procedure (e.g., prostatectomy)
Do not unbundle and report lymphadenectomy separately
A limited lymphadenectomy may be bundled into a more major procedure; when this occurs, only the major procedure is reported.
What codes reflect whether the procedure was superficial or deep? (Superficial code is and deep codes are )

11. Mediastinum Area between lungs Figure: 17.3
What is the mediastinum? (The area between the lungs)
Where does the Mediastinum and Diaphragm subsection fall in the CPT book? (Directly after the cardiology subsection)
Figure: 17.3 11

12. Mediastinum (39000-39499) Assigned by approach
Incision codes for foreign body removal or biopsy
Excision codes for removal of cyst or tumor
Endoscopy
Repair
The Mediastinum subheading is divided by procedures and includes incision, excision, and endoscopy categories.
Procedures are reported with use of the codes
Codes are based on the surgical approach taken to perform the mediastinotomy—either cervical (neck area) or across the thoracic area or sternum.
What primary distinction is made in the excision codes that are listed under the Mediastinum subheading? (The excision codes vary according to whether a tumor or a cyst was excised.) 12

13. Diaphragm (39501-39561) Only category: Repair
Most codes for hernia or laceration repairs
Codes indexed in CPT manual under “Diaphragm”
Where is the diaphragm located? (The diaphragm is the wall of muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.)
Only 1 category under Diaphragm subheading, repair.
Repairs consist of Lacerations and hernias.
How are the hernias of the diaphragm divided out? (Type of hernia, age of patient (neonate or other than neonate), and approach (transthoracic, or combined thoracoabdominal)) 13

14. HEMIC, LYMPHATIC, MEDIASTINUM, AND DIAPHRAGM
Conclusion CHAPTER 17
HEMIC, LYMPHATIC, MEDIASTINUM, AND DIAPHRAGM