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Orthopedic Coding Alert

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Double Diagnose Heterotopic Calcification

Published on Sat Mar 27, 2010

Question: A patient underwent AC joint reconstruction due to a chronic grade-4 joint separation with heterotopic ossification. What diagnosis should we submit? Arkansas Subscriber Answer: Because the physician is treating the heterotopic ossification associated with the shoulder problem, you'll report two diagnoses: 728.13 (Postoperative heterotopic calcification) and 905.6 (Late effect of dislocation). Tip: Although you might sometimes see the condition called "heterotopic calcification," ortopedists commonly call it "heterotopic ossification," or HO.
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