Bariatric Surgery Coding in ICD-10-PCS
Instructor
Description
Bariatric Surgery Coding in ICD-10-PCS is an online, self-paced course for inpatient coders who need a clear, practical understanding of how to code surgical procedures performed to treat morbid obesity. The module reviews the key steps and documentation elements for common bariatric surgeries — including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch — and explains how ICD-10-PCS assigns body part values, devices, and root operations for each. Using real operative reports and guided examples, the course helps coders interpret documentation accurately and apply ICD-10-PCS coding rules with confidence. It includes 1 AHIMA CEU and supports greater accuracy and consistency when coding bariatric procedures in the inpatient setting.
Included Lessons:
- Introduction
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
- Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
- Summary
Key Takeaways
This course will equip medical coders with the expertise and confidence needed to accurately code bariatric surgeries and contribute to effective patient care and healthcare revenue cycle management. Some key takeaways of this course include:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: A thorough understanding of different types of bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
- Anatomy and Procedure Familiarity: Proficiency in the anatomy involved in bariatric surgeries and the ability to recognize and understand surgical techniques and their implications for coding.
- ICD-10-PCS Coding Skills: Competence in assigning accurate ICD-10-PCS codes for each specific bariatric procedure, including knowledge of root operations, body part specifications, and approach methods.
- Operative Report Interpretation: Skill in reading and comprehending complex operative reports, identifying essential details, and extracting the necessary information for coding purposes.
- Documentation Accuracy: The ability to identify and rectify any discrepancies or missing information in operative reports, ensuring precise coding and compliance with healthcare standards.
- Procedure-Specific Guidelines: Awareness of the unique coding guidelines and considerations for different bariatric surgeries, such as the distinction between restrictive and bypass procedures.
- Coding Ethics and Compliance: An understanding of ethical coding practices, compliance with healthcare regulations, and the importance of patient confidentiality in the context of medical coding.
Benefits of Taking Course
- Improved Ability to Code Bariatric Surgery
- Career Advancement
- Greater Accuracy
- Greater Confidence in Complex Coding
- Expanded Knowledge of Anatomy and Surgical Procedures
FAQs
What will I learn about ICD-10-PCS coding for bariatric surgery procedures?
This course walks you through how to accurately assign ICD-10-PCS codes for common bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band procedures, and revisions. You’ll learn how root operations such as bypass, resection, restriction, and revision apply to various surgical techniques and how to use the operative note to select the correct body part, device, and approach.
How does the course help coders understand the differences between major bariatric procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy?
The course explains how each bariatric procedure is performed and how those clinical distinctions drive ICD-10-PCS code selection. You’ll review procedural intent, anatomic changes, and device use so you can confidently differentiate between a bypass, a sleeve, or a restrictive procedure. Real operative report examples show how subtle documentation details impact the final code.
Will this course improve my ability to interpret operative reports and identify key documentation elements needed for accurate coding?
Yes. The course highlights the essential documentation coders must locate—such as the exact anatomic site, surgical approach, device placement or removal, and the purpose of the procedure. You’ll learn how to translate surgeon terminology into ICD-10-PCS components and how to identify situations that may require a query, supporting both accuracy and compliance.
About Our Medical Coding Courses
HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a flexible, online education platform designed for today’s coders. With a growing catalog of AHIMA and AAPC-approved coding courses, HIAlearn supports both beginners and experienced coders looking to build confidence, accuracy, and CEU credits.
Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS, and are designed for multiple specialties including inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI.
To stay up to date, coders can explore our Coding Updates hub for the latest ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS changes. HIAlearn also supports organizations with group discounts and scalable team access, promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous professional development across departments.
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Overview
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Keep learning with more medical coding courses from HIAlearn.
Bariatric Revision Surgery Coding in ICD‑10‑PCS
Builds on your foundational knowledge by focusing on complex revision procedures and advanced root‑operation nuances.
Reading and Understanding Operative Reports
Teaches how to interpret detailed surgical documentation—crucial for selecting the correct body part, approach, device, and root operation in bariatric PCS coding.
ICD‑10‑PCS Root Operations Review
Strengthens understanding of the root‑operation framework, essential for correctly distinguishing between bypass, restriction, revision, and conversion in bariatric procedures.