Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Use 727.89 for Dislocated Peroneal Tendon Dx
Published on Fri Sep 10, 2004
Question: Our orthopedic surgeon recently repaired a patient's peroneal tendon, but we can't find a diagnosis code for the dislocated peroneal tendon. Should we report 726.79? Answer: No. Because 726.79 (Enthesopathy of ankle and tarsus; other) includes a description of "peroneal tendonitis," some coders report it for general peroneal tendon problems, but this is incorrect coding.
Alabama Subscriber
You should instead report 727.89 (Other disorders of synovium, tendon and bursa; other). The physician should write a letter describing the patient's condition and explain why the peroneal tendon repair was medically necessary, and you should submit the letter with your claim.
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