In ICD-9-CM, when an exploratory laparotomy is performed followed by a therapeutic procedure, the coder lists
In ICD-9-CM, when an exploratory laparotomy is performed followed by a therapeutic procedure, the coder lists
In ICD-9-CM coding, when an exploratory laparotomy is performed followed by a therapeutic procedure, the coder should list the therapeutic procedure only. Exploratory procedures, when followed by a definite procedure, are not coded separately as they were performed solely to facilitate the main therapeutic intervention.
I think the answer is B.