Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: How should I report a Thompson procedure performed for a bilateral dermatic flap/edema of the legs?


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Answer: The surgical code for the Thompson procedure is 27430 (Quadricepsplasty [e.g., Bennett or Thompson type]). The corresponding anesthesia code is 01320 (Anesthesia for all procedures on nerves, muscles, tendons, fascia, and bursae of knee and/or popliteal area), with four base units.

The Thompson procedure is a surgical technique used to treat lymphedema (a condition that occurs because of a damaged or dysfunctional lymphatic system). The surgeon cleans out the subcutaneous lymph-filled regions and attempts to build a bypass for the lymph system.