Orthopedic Coding Alert
READER QUESTIONS:
Apply 27418 for Fulkerson
Published on Thu Aug 24, 2006
Question: Our surgeon performed an anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer (Fulkerson procedure). Is 27705 the correct code for this service?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: You should report 27418 (Anterior tibial tubercleplasty [e.g., Maquet-type procedure]) for the Fulkerson procedure. Although the Fulkerson procedure is technically an osteotomy, 27705 (Osteotomy; tibia) doesn't describe the work as accurately as 27418 does.
Code 27418 describes osteotomy and transfer of the tibial tubercle (the knob of bone you feel below your kneecap) to correct the weight-bearing position of the patella.
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