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Orthopedic Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Thumb Arthroplasty

Published on Thu Aug 01, 2002

Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Question: How should I code a trapezium excision and tendon interposition for left thumb basal joint arthritis (716.94)? Oregon Subscriber     Answer: Your best bet is 25447 (Arthroplasty, interposition, intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints).

According to Global Service Data for Orthopaedic Surgery (published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), the following intraoperative services are included in the global service package for 25447: arthrotomy/synovectomy of wrist of intercarpal joints; excision of osteophytes, bone fragments and joint debridement; partial or total excision of trapezium or trapezoid; capsular release, repair and/or reconstruction; harvesting and insertion of tendon or fascial graft; and internal fixation of implant. Therefore, no additional codes are necessary.
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