Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Get the Scoop on Saucerization
Published on Fri Jan 05, 2007
Question: Our surgeon performed a saucerization of the lateral discoid meniscus, but I don't know which codes to report for this surgery. Does CPT contain a code for this? Arkansas Subscriber Answer: You should report the appropriate meniscectomy code (such as 29881, Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving]). During this surgery, the surgeon sculpts the discoid meniscus into a more normal "C" shape. Some physicians refer to this surgery as "saucerization" or "meniscoplasty."
Other Articles in this issue of
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- AMA Update:
CPT 2008 Delivers Specificity With New Tenotomy, Fracture Care Codes
Plus: Mosaicplasty gains a code, modifier descriptors are overhauled CPT 2008 is the orthopedic coder's [...] - CPT 2008:
Prepare for New Modifier Descriptors in the Coming Year
Unusual or increased? Your modifier 22 use now depends on the difference The new musculoskeletal [...] - Identify Key Differences When Billing SLAP Repairs
Differentiate between 29806 and 29807 and you-ll find the right code Don't let SLAP lesion [...] - You Be the Coder:
What's the Outlook on Splint, Cast Supply Pay?
Question: We-ve been hearing that our cast and splint supply payments will go up for [...] - Reader Questions:
Know Definition of 'Maintenance Therapy'
Question: Our insurers don't allow us to pay for "maintenance therapy." But where should our [...] - Reader Questions:
Avoid Fracture Care Code Without Fx
Question: If our physician sees a patient in the office and dictates that the patient [...] - Reader Questions:
Get the Scoop on Saucerization
Question: Our surgeon performed a saucerization of the lateral discoid meniscus, but I don't know [...] - Reader Questions:
Differentiate Reconstruction From Repair
Question: Our surgeon performed a left knee medial collateral ligament reconstruction. We are looking at [...] - Reader Questions:
Report 49215 for Sacral Excision of Tumor
Question: Our physician performed a sacral tumor excision, which required him to remove the coccyx [...] - Reader Questions:
Consider Consult Codes for Inpatients
Question: One of our surgeons consulted a Medicare patient in the hospital for a recurrent [...] - Reader Questions:
OIG Will Be Watching in 2008
Question: I recently heard that the Office of Inspector General plans to focus on incident-to [...] - Guest Columnist:
Bill Mallon, MD: Speak the Language of Fractures, and Your Coding Will Improve
Know the right clinical terms, and the codes will follow Healthcare providers often discuss fractures [...]
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