Orthopedic Coding Alert
Include synovectomies with larger procedure
Question: • Knee arthroscopy with partial menisectomy, debrided with chondromalacia, and three compartment synovectomy • Grade 3 chondromalacia debridement • Partial menisectomy of complex posterior horn medial meniscus • Debridement of radial tear lateral meninscus. What's the best way to code this service? Texas Subscriber Answer:
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Brace yourself for consult coding alternative
New rule means simpler coding, but less pay. The rumor about consultation codes becoming obsolete [...] - Knee technology might not compute with carriers
High-tech navigation system doesn't always mean payment. Some orthopedic surgeons use a computer navigation system [...] - 3 questions point you to correct joint aftercare codes
Shift gears to different V codes after the global period. You know to report V [...] - Follow these tips to successful labral tear coding
10-2:00 in the op note signals SLAP lesion repair. Even experts can land on the [...] - You be the coder:
Don't confuse cubital, carpal tunnel release
Question: How should I code cubital tunnel release? If I use an unlisted procedure code, [...] - Reader questions:
29822 or 29823 for excision, no decompression
Question: How should I code an arthroscopic excision of a bursa in the shoulder when [...] - Reader questions:
Verify disease status for DJD diagnosis
Question: What is the correct diagnosis for patients with degenerative joint disease of the knee? [...] - Reader questions:
Check dosage for Depomedrol code
Question: What is the correct code for a Depomedrol injection? West Virginia Subscriber Answer: Begin [...] - Reader questions:
Include synovectomies with larger procedure
Question: Our orthopedist performed several procedures during a session: • Knee arthroscopy with partial menisectomy, [...] - Reader questions:
Try 29879 for medial capsule reefing
Question: Our surgeon completed medial capsule reefing due to subluxation of the patella and performed [...] - Reader questions:
Look to 'unlisted' for no fusion
Question: The orthopedic surgeon performed an anterior thoracic release without fusion. How should I code [...] - Reader questions:
Don't code for MD-induced repair
Question: A patient returned to surgery following unsuccessful closed reduction of a both-bone forearm fracture. [...] - Reader questions:
Arthroscopic to open means open code
Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove a loose body in the ankle arthroscopically, but it [...] - Reader questions:
716.14, 718.84 are for SLAC wrist
Reviewed on May 20, 2015
Question: What diagnosis applies to a SLAC wrist due [...]
