Medical Coding Guide

Key Terms: Sleeve Lobectomy VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) Lobectomy Lingulectomy Indications / Associated Pathology: Benign Tumor Emphysema Fungal Infection Lung Abscess Lung Cancer Tuberculosis Description: The right lung consists of three lobes: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The left lung has two lobes: Upper and Lower, as it shares space with the heart. The Upper … Read more

Indications / Associated Pathologies: Congenital Anomaly Neck Trauma Respiratory Failure Subcutaneous Emphysema Upper Airway Edema, Foreign Body, or Obstruction Description: Tracheostomy involves creating a stoma (surgical opening) in the neck to bypass the cervical trachea and/or oropharynx, allowing air to pass directly to the distal trachea for respiration. It may be performed on patients requiring … Read more

Key Terms: Decompressive Foraminectomy Foraminal Decompression Indications / Associated Pathologies: Degenerative Joint Disease Spinal Radiculopathy Spinal Myelopathy Spinal Stenosis Synovial Cyst Description: Spinal stenosis may result from degenerative osteoarthritis, osteophyte or bone spur formation, or ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Decompressive laminectomy involves removing the lamina and enlarging the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal … Read more