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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Consider Fracture Blisters As Seroma

Published on Mon Jul 23, 2012

Question: The patient had fracture repair and returned with several fracture blisters.  Our surgeon unroofed the blisters. Can we report 10180 (Incision and drainage, complex, postoperative wound infection)?Alaska SubscriberAnswer: If your surgeon feels compelled to charge for this service, you may best report 10140 (Incision and drainage of hematoma, seroma or fluid collection). This service is not reportable if the patient is Medicare primary as procedures performed in the office to treat surgical complications during the postoperative period are inclusive.
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