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Podiatry Coding:

Code This Ruptured Achilles Repair

Question: The surgeon’s notes indicate that a patient was seen due to a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Once a magnetic resonance image (MRI) with contrast materials verified the degree of tendon damage and the location of the spontaneous rupture, the surgeon decides to perform surgery to repair it. The surgeon makes an incision over the back of the ankle, in line with the Achilles tendon. They expose the damaged Achilles while also removing any degenerative tissue. The surgeon mends the torn ends of the Achilles using the Bucknell method and strengthens the repair with artificial grafts. Following this, the surgeon cleans the wound and seals the cut using staples. How do I report this on my claim?

RCI Subscriber

Answer: On the claim, you will report:

  • 27650 (Repair, primary, open or percutaneous, ruptured Achilles tendon) for the Achilles repair
  • 73719 (Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, lower extremity other than joint; with contrast material(s)) for the MRI
  • Modifier RT (Right side) appended to 27650 to and 73719 to indicate laterality
  • M66.871 (Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, right ankle and foot) appended to 27650 and 73719 to indicate the patient’s injury.

Lindsey Bush, BA, MA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC

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