Orthopedic Coding Alert
Is Sagittal Band an Extensor Tendon?
Reviewed on May 20, 2015
Question: Is a sagittal band in the metacarpal (MCP) area an extensor tendon? If the surgeon repairs the sagittal band, which code should we report?
Minnesota Subscriber
Answer: The saggital band is not an extensor tendon. The sagittal bands stabilize the extensor tendons at the MCP joints. When the bands rupture, the extensor tendon can slip out of place.
If the surgeon repairs the sagittal band due to dislocating extensor tendons, he is most likely centralizing the extensor tendons. You should report 26437 (Realignment of extensor tendon, hand, each tendon) for this procedure.
If your patient suffers from a sagittal band rupture or stretching, your surgeon may document that he reefs the tendon to prevent dislocation or popping. During reefing, the surgeon tightens up structures to stabilize them. Reefing is similar to what surgeons refer to as a "pants-over-vest repair." Code 26437 is appropriate for this procedure as well.
Related Articles
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- New Diagnosis Codes Eliminate Ambiguity When You Report Prosthesis Complications
The 2006 crop of ICD-9 codes will help describe family histories, problems with prosthetics If [...] - Op Report Examination:
Take 3 Steps to Bill Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Confirm whether graft came from separate incision or fascial exposure You may be familiar with [...] - You Be the Coder:
Is Sagittal Band an Extensor Tendon?
Reviewed on May 20, 2015 Question: Is a sagittal band in the metacarpal (MCP) area [...] - News You Can Use:
Expect a Pay Cut When You Report 29873 With Other Surgeries
CMS adds arthroscopic knee lateral release to endoscopic knee group Thanks to a new Medicare [...] - Meet the Families:
Check Out the Endoscopic Base Codes for Orthopedists
They could affect your reimbursement Learning Medicare's multiple-endoscopy rule is a time-consuming endeavor, but now [...] - Reader Questions:
Document PT, Even When Unbillable
Question: Our physical therapist spent only six minutes applying an ultrasound to a patient (97035). [...] - Reader Questions:
Apply 27822 to Trimalleolar Fracture Care
Question: Our surgeon performed an open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) on the medial malleolus [...] - Reader Questions:
Toe Surgery Code Covers Several Procedures
Question: Our foot surgeon documented capsulorrhaphy of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which he performed [...] - Reader Questions:
Describe Labral Tear Repairs With 29807
Question: Our surgeon performed arthroscopic anterior and posterior labral repairs. Should we report two units [...] - Reader Questions:
Bill 20924 When Harvesting From Opposite Knee
Question: Do insurers include graft harvest in the ACL repair code 27407? Our surgeon made [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Stop Reading Op Report Halfway Through
Question: Our surgeon performed a complete T7 and partial T6 corpectomy with vertebroplasty, followed by [...] - Reader Questions:
List Fracture Care Codes According to RVUs
Question: Which diagnosis code should I list as primary when a patient suffers multiple fractures? [...] - How Does Your Code Usage Compare to Other Orthopedic Surgeons'?
Benchmarking can help you determine whether you're on track If you want to find out [...] - Guest Columnist:
Frank Cohen, CMPA - Determine Practice's Complexity Level to Normalize Stats
Figure out your acuity factor so you can compare apples to apples If HIPAA has [...] - Orthopedic Coding Alert Welcomes 2 New Blue-Ribbon Panel Members
As part of our launch of the Orthopedic Coding Alert: Extra, which will give our [...] - Clip and Save:
CMS' Orthopedic Data Can Get Your Benchmarking Study off The Ground
Compare your practice's code usage against national averages
