Question: Our new patient had a total knee replacement (TKR) four weeks ago. The site has since become infected and developed a hematoma. He is receiving antibiotics. How should I code for him?
-- Kentucky Subscriber
Answer: An infection at the site of a joint replacement is not coded as a postsurgical infection (998.59).
Instead, use the code specific to joint replacement complications: 996.66 (Infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal joint prosthesis).
You'll also need to list an additional code to indicate the infected joint. In your patient's case, list V43.65 (Organ or tissue replaced by other means; joint; knee).
You can also add a code to indicate which bacteria is causing the infection if you know that information.
