answer;
no:
a diagnostic thoracoscopy is always included in the surgical vats
explanation;
vats means video assisted thoracic surgery.
thoracoscopy is an endoscopical procedure completed on the lungs to visualize pleura, lungs and mediastinum using an endoscope
one thing to note is that a surgical thoracoscopy always includes a diagnostic thoracoscopy.
the diagnostic thoracoscopy codes are differentiated by the site and type of procedure performed.