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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Try 11043 for Achilles Tendon Service

Published on Sun Jul 20, 2008

Question: May I report 11043 for Achilles tendon debridement? The surgeon documented removing necrotic tissue during the procedure. California Subscriber Answer: You may report 11043 (Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle) for Achilles tendon debridement, which involves removing devitalized tissue and foreign matter, assuming the descriptor matches the surgeon's documented debridement depth and the structures involved (skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle). If the surgeon also performs tenolysis, you may report 27680 (Tenolysis, flexor or extensor tendon, leg and/or ankle; single, each tendon), as well, according to the AMA's October 2007 CPT Assistant.
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