Advanced Search

General Surgery Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Look to Relevant Codes for Payment

Published on Sun Jul 15, 2012

Question: Our surgeon treated a patient with an amputated right ear. The surgical procedure involved microscopic replantation of the ear with microvascular anastomosis, and insetting and closure of cartilage, subcutaneous tissue and skin. How should we code the procedure?Kansas SubscriberAnswer: You'll probably need to use an unlisted procedure code, such as 20999 (Unlisted procedure, musculoskeletal system, general). You can price the code based on reimbursement for similar procedures. Your surgeon will need to be part of deciding how complex the procedure was, and which CPT® codes represent a similar level of work for pricing purposes.Although CPT® provides a family of replantation codes (20802-20838, Replantation ...) for appendages such as arm, thumb, and foot, there is not a code for ear. Nor does CPT® provide an "unlisted" replantation code that you can use. That's why your best choice is 20999. Your surgeon might want to compare the procedure to one of [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

General Surgery Coding Alert

View All