When was the removal of bilateral ventilating tubes performed on Carl?

The chosen answer identifies the date of the procedure, which is critical in surgical coding and billing practices. In medical coding, particularly with the use of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), the accuracy of procedure dates is essential for several reasons, including tracking patient care, ensuring appropriate billing, and maintaining a clear medical record.

Selecting May 4 suggests that this date is referenced in documentation associated with Carl's treatment. This could include the procedure note, anesthesia record, or other medical records that clearly outline when the bilateral ventilating tubes were removed. Precise knowledge of dates ensures compliance with regulations and supports the correct coding of the procedure in a patient's chart.

When assigning CPT codes, coders must be diligent in verifying the details of the procedure, including the date of service, as this can affect reimbursement, auditing, and the identification of trends in medical treatment. Therefore, choosing May 4 reflects this attention to detail necessary in surgical coding, aligning with the procedural timelines documented for Carl's surgery.