Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
CCI Says 27446 With 27438 Is OK
Published on Sun Aug 17, 2008
Question: I have a physician who is doing a medial unicompartmental replacement and a patella resurfacing. Should I code this with 27446 and 27438-59? Arizona Subscriber Answer: You should be able to report 27446 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial OR lateral compartment) and 27438 (Arthroplasty, patella; with prosthesis) together. CCI edits do not bundle 27446 and 27438, so you do not need to append 59 (Distinct procedural service) for separate payment.
Other Articles in this issue of
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Rise to the Wrist Fracture Coding Challenge With This Case Study
Warning: One documentation slip could lead to a $216 mistake Ignore the number of fracture [...] - 4 Common Hip Labral Tear Situations Solved
Simplify choosing comparison codes with these expert suggestions You may only be able to report [...] - You Be the Coder:
Re-Examine Re-Exploration Definitions
Question: Is there any guideline on when to use 63042 based on the previous surgery [...] - Reader Questions:
CCI Says 27446 With 27438 Is OK
Question: I have a physician who is doing a medial unicompartmental replacement and a patella [...] - Reader Questions:
Watch Pin Removal Place of Service
Question: One of my surgeons is billing out an in-office pin removal during the post-op [...] - Reader Questions:
Follow Payer's 29876, 29881 Preference
Question: I-ve been hearing conflicting advice regarding whether I may report 29876 with 29881 when [...] - Reader Questions:
Spine Cystectomy May Merit 63030
Question: My surgeon performed an L4-L5 foraminotomy and synovial cyst removal. The diagnosis is "synovial [...] - Reader Questions:
Include Subscapularis Portal in 29827
Question: My surgeon performs a subscapularis repair to the lesser tuberosity with one anchor, moves [...] - Reader Questions:
Count Levels for Arthrodesis
Question: Should I report four units of arthrodesis when the surgeon fuses vertebrae L2 through [...]
View All
