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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Check Separate Incision for 20900

Published on Tue Oct 19, 2010

Question: Which codes should I use for a TKA with structural bone grafting of the lateral tibia plateau? I-m not sure I can report the graft separately because the surgeon didn't take the graft from a separate site. Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: If the surgeon harvested the bone graft via a separate skin or fascial incision, you may report the appropriate bone graft code (20900-20902, Bone graft, any donor area -) in addition to the total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which you should report using 27447 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial AND lateral compartments with or without patella resurfacing [total knee arthroplasty]). Rule: CPT guidelines state that you may code obtaining autogenous bone or other tissue separately if the surgeon gets the graft through a separate skin or fascial incision. Exception: If the surgical code descriptor references harvesting the graft or implant, you shouldn't report obtaining the graft separately, the guidelines [...]
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