Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Follow this Guidance for Lateral Releases
Published on Mon Aug 29, 2016
Question: Our orthopedist performed a total knee replacement with a lateral release using the same incision site. He says we should code for the knee replacement and the lateral release separately; should we?
Alabama Subscriber
Answer: You should only report one code for this procedure. On the claim, report 27447 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial AND lateral compartments with or without patella resurfacing [total knee arthroplasty]) for the knee replacement and the lateral release.
Explanation: Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits bundle the lateral release with the knee replacement. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) also deems these as inclusive.
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