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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

CTR With Flexor Tenosynovectomy

Published on Thu Aug 01, 2002

Question: One of our surgeons performed a carpal tunnel release and, as a separate procedure, a flexor tenosynovectomy. How should we code this? Kentucky Subscriber Answer: The carpal tunnel release (64721, Neuroplasty and/or transposition; median nerve at carpal tunnel) and the tenosynovectomy (26145, Synovectomy, tendon sheath, radical [tenosynovectomy], flexor tendon, palm and/or finger, each tendon) can be billed together because no Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits restrict their pairing. No modifiers are necessary, but be prepared to submit the operative report in case the insurer requires proof that the two procedures were separate from one another. You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, coding and reimbursement manager at University Orthopaedic Associates in New Brunswick, N.J.
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