Orthopedic Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Tackle the Achilles Tendon With Care

Published on Thu Jun 09, 2011

Question: How do you code for the following procedure? "Over the point of tenderness, 2 to 2.5 cm incision was made over the medial aspect of the Achilles tendon and the paratenon was identified and stripped over the posterior 2/3 of the Achilles tendon. The nodular area measured around 1.5 cm in length. A pattern of TOPAZ perforation 3 rows wide and approximately 4 to 5 puncture sites longitudinally was then made at intervals of approximately 5 mm. The wound was closed with 3-0 nylon vertical mattress suture."

Florida Subscriber

Answer: You report code 27630 (Excision of lesion of tendon sheath or capsule (eg, cyst or ganglion), leg and/ or ankle) along with ICD-9 code 726.71 (Achilles bursitis or tendinitis). Read the description to confirm if tenotomy was done, you may then report 27605 (Tenotomy, percutaneous, Achilles tendon (separate procedure); local anesthesia) if one was done in local anesthesia and 27606 (Tenotomy, percutaneous, Achilles tendon (separate procedure); general anesthesia) if it was done under general anesthesia. You may report 27680 (Tenolysis, flexor or extensor tendon, leg and/or ankle; single, each tendon) if a tenolysis was done.

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