Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Skip Wound Exploration with Lead Removal

Published on Wed Oct 10, 2012

Question: If the patient has an infection from an interstim lead and it is being removed and "wound exploration" is being done for the infection, would that wound exploration be included in the code for the removal?

Virgina Subscriber

Answer: The exploration would be included in the removal of the lead. You should only report 64585 (Revision or removal of peripheral neurostimulator electrode array).

Additionally: If, however, your surgeon also drains an abscess, you should also report 10060 (Incision and drainage of abscess [eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia]; simple or single) or 10061 (... complicated or multiple), in addition to the removal.

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