Otolaryngology Coding Alert

For most reimbursement, opt to perform 20670 in this place of service. Coders can sometimes let a global period confound coding facts and they end up under-coding post-op services, which leads to under-payment, of course. Don't make the same mistake: Learn when to separately report hardware removal from the following case study. Case: The patient had open reduction internal fixation of two fractures and was placed in intermaxillary fixationfor two weeks. Following the fixation period, the patient presented for removal of arch bar implants (maxillary arch bar hardware). The surgeon completely removed the arch bars and wire and wire fragments from the Erich arch bar and released the arch bar from the teeth. A coding tip for 21470 (Open treatment of complicated mandibular fracture by multiple surgical approaches including internal fixation, interdental fixation, and/or wiring of dentures or splints) indicates that removal of a fixation device is not separately reportable. [...]