ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Removal of Foreign Body with Fluoroscopy
Florida Subscriber
Answer: When using fluoroscopy to facilitate removal of a foreign body, the correct code to use is 73140 (Radiologic examination, finger[s], minimum of two views). This code can accompany either procedure code 20520* (Removal of foreign body in muscle or tendon sheath; simple) or 20525 ( deep or complicated), depending on the complexity of the removal. If the removal procedure also involves drainage of an abscess, report 26010* (Drainage of finger abscess; simple).
Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were reviewed by John Turner, MD, FACEP, medical director for coding and documentation at TeamHealth Inc. in Knoxville, Tenn.; and Tracie Christian, CPC, CCS-P, director of coding for ProCode in Dallas.
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