Connecting Coding and Policy: Inguinal Hernias in Children

Abstract

The June 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report, “Assessment and Management of Inguinal Hernias in Children” (https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-062510), notes that inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children. In addition to the procedural considerations included in the clinical report, it is important that physicians who repair inguinal hernias and their coding and billing staff know the correct codes for reporting these procedures. This article reviews the following topics: Evaluation and management with decision for surgery Diagnosis codes for inguinal hernia Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair Open inguinal hernia repair