Orthopedic Coding Alert
Hardware Removal
Question: What combination of V and numeric ICD-9 codes should I use for internal hardware removal?
Arizona Subscriber
Answer: If the hardware is removed due to a complication (such as pain, breakage or infection), report 996.78 (Other complications of internal [biological] [synthetic] prosthetic device, implant, and graft; due to other internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft), 996.4 (Mechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft) or 996.67 (Infection and inflammatory reaction due to other internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft). If this was a preplanned removal with no associated symptoms, report V54.0 (Aftercare involving removal of fracture plate or other internal fixation device). Late effects codes (905-909) are also reported, as applicable.
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Hardware Removal
Question: What combination of V and numeric ICD-9 codes should I use for internal hardware [...]
