Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Revision

Published on Sat Jul 01, 2000

Question: When a traumatic fingertip amputation occurs and the physician performs a revision (suturing the piece back onto the finger and repairing the nail bed), what is the proper code? I have been told to use the amputation code as if the physician had amputated the finger or to bill an open fracture treatment code and bill extra for the nail repair or pinch graft if performed.

Donna Bal
Midwest Orthopaedic Surgery Inc., Joplin, Mo.

Answer: Because of the wide variety of potential codes, the proper billing would be based on the exact service performed. But in general terms, if there is a fracture, bill the open fracture code and for the repair of the nail bed (11760, repair of nail bed). If the end of the bone is removed and there is only soft tissue remaining that is repaired, then bill the nail bed repair, grafts or wound repair codes as appropriate. Amputation codes would not be used because there is no amputation being performed.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All