Orthopedic Coding Alert
Report TKR Code Once When First Procedure Fails
Question: Our surgeon performed a total knee replacement, but after the glue hardened, the exam showed that the knee was unstable. The surgeon then did a revision of both components, but he performed all of these procedures during the same OR session. Should we use 27447 and 27487-58?
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: When your surgeon must perform more than one procedure to complete a successful surgery, you should only report the code for the procedure that accomplishes the intended outcome. In this case, that would be 27447 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial AND lateral compartments with or without patella resurfacing [total knee arthroplasty]).
Because the patient did not leave the operating room between surgeries, you cannot report 27487-58 (Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft; femoral and entire tibial component; Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) in addition to 27447.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
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Report Unlisted for Cervical Vertebroplasty
Question: Which codes should we report when the surgeon performs cervical vertebroplasty?
Alabama Subscriber
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Include Disk Payment in 0091T
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Look to G Code for Medicare Dermabond Repairs
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Pinpoint Ulnar Impaction Syndrome Code
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Report TKR Code Once When First Procedure Fails
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Include Prescription Writing in E/M
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Use E/M Code for Patient-Generated Second Opinion
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Stick With 23472 for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Question: Which code should we report for a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty?
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NCCI 12.2 Isn't Too Invasive
Question: Does the latest version of the NCCI hold any problematic edits for orthopedic surgeons?
Washington [...] - Follow Orthopedic Acronyms to Decipher Operative Reports
Use these tips to better translate abbreviations into codes Do you know your APL from [...] - Let This Tool Guide You When You Encounter Acronyms
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