Trocar Site Hernia Repair

Q. Billing for trocar site hernia repairs, often fairly small, only have billing option of S340 (ventral) or S344 (massive inc hernia). Any comments? Also, umbilical site hernia secondary to trocar defect post a special problem as they can get discounted if other surgery takes place at same time. Suggestions?

A. Depending on site of trocar, possibly bill epigastric or umbilical.  Ventral is valid as well as technically it is “post-operative”.  I usually pick one of the 3, but for a small hernia, typically would use ventral.  Reserve “massive” for truly large hernias, often with subcutaneous space issue, excess skin, etc.  It’s poorly defined.