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Orthopedic Coding Alert

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Irrigation and Debridement

Published on Fri Dec 01, 2000

Question: My surgeon performed a 28008 (fasciotomy, foot and/or toe) and three days later performed an irrigation and debridement of the bone. He also closed the fasciotomy incisions totaling 17 cm. How is closure coded and is it included with the 28008?

Missouri Subscriber


Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.



Answer: The irrigation and debridement would be coded 11044 (debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone) with 13160 (secondary closure of surgical wound or dehiscence, extensive or complicated) for the delayed primary closure. Dont forget to use Modifier 58 (staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the same postoperative period) for the second surgery.
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