Mastering ICD-10-PCS Coding Approaches with YES: Open, Percutaneous, Endoscopic & More

Last Updated October 2, 2024

Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding hinges on understanding the various approaches used in medical procedures. In our comprehensive Refresh With YES: ICD-10-PCS Basics learning series, we delve deep into the nuances of these approaches, ensuring you gain the expertise needed for precision in coding.

Here’s a closer look at the different approaches you’ll master:

Definition: An open approach involves cutting through the skin and other layers to expose the procedure site.
Example: In an open heart bypass surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision to access the heart, allowing for direct visualization and manual handling of the organs.

Definition: A percutaneous approach is a minimally invasive technique that involves puncturing the skin and then using a needle or catheter to reach the target site.
Example: A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty, where a catheter is inserted through the skin to open up blocked coronary arteries.

Definition: A percutaneous endoscopic approach is similar to the percutaneous approach but it uses an endoscope for visualization.
Example: A laparoscopic cholecystectomy, where small incisions are made to insert a laparoscope and surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder.

Definition: Procedures performed through a natural or artificial body opening.
Example: An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), where an endoscope is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum to examine the bile ducts.

Definition: Similar to the previous approach, it uses an endoscope for direct visualization.
Example: A colonoscopy, where an endoscope is inserted through the rectum to examine the colon.

Definition: This approach combines a natural or artificial opening with percutaneous endoscopic tools for assistance.
Example: A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), where a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra, and additional instruments are introduced percutaneously for assistance.

Our Refresh With YES: PCS Basics learning series provides detailed, real-world scenarios to help you apply these approaches effectively:

Open Heart Surgery: Learn to code the open approach in complex cardiac procedures.
Laparoscopic Procedures: Understand the distinctions between percutaneous vs percutaneous endoscopic approaches in surgeries like laparoscopic nephrectomies.
Endoscopic Procedures: Master the coding for procedures involving natural openings, such as colonoscopies and ERCPs.

At YES HIM Consulting, we are dedicated to providing top-tier education and support. Our Refresh With YES: PCS Basics learning series is designed to help you understand and apply ICD-10-PCS coding approaches with confidence and accuracy. Enroll today for a step-by-step guide to PCS approaches.

Do you need cutting-edge education for your corporate coding team? Contact our team of experts at the form below to discuss our training solutions.

Vanessa Youmans, MA, CCS, CPC – Chief Operating Officer (COO)