Internal derangement of knee (717)

Keep watertight documentation at hand before reporting secondary repairs.  You are all too aware of sprained ankle ligament coding if your practice receives a large number of athletes. However, are you paying close attention to terms such as primary and [...]

Question: According to my orthopedist’s op note, the patient underwent a medial meniscal repair with debridement of synovitis in the notch and lateral regions and patella femoral synovitis resection. The op note wording, however, is what is throwing me off. Should [...]

Pay attention to the laterality of this condition. Chondromalacia patellae (CMP) is pain at the front of the knee due to an irritation of the undersurface of the kneecap. Often occurring in young, healthy athletes, the kneecap rubs against one [...]

If you overlook a secondary repair, you're missing out on $155.89. If you see your share of athletes, you probably treat a fair number of sprained ankle ligaments. Pay close attention to the number of incisions and ligaments detailed in [...]

Question: The surgeon excised a flap tear and completed a partial synovectomy in the medial compartment. He also performed partial synovectomy, chondroplasty, and excision of meniscus tear in the lateral compartment. He noted several codes but I don't think we [...]

Check compartments, extras for 29877 and G0289 success. Chondroplasty might be one of the most common knee procedures on your orthopedist's schedule, but that doesn't mean you'll always how to handle the claim -- especially if you're unsure when to [...]

Question: According to my orthopedist's op note, the patient underwent a medial meniscal repair with debridement of synovitis in the notch and lateral regions and patella femoral synovitis resection. The op note wording, however, is what is throwing me off. [...]

Patients' self-reported medical histories take a spin after a stroke, new study says. With OASIS C around the corner, now's the time for staff to brush up on their patient medical history skills. While questioning the patient is often useful [...]

Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of pain and swelling in her right knee. The ED physician diagnoses a meniscal tear during the course of a level- three E/M service and refers the patient to a specialist. How [...]

Question: A new patient reports to the internist complaining of pain and swelling in her right knee. The physician diagnoses a meniscal tear during the course of a level three E/M service. How would you choose a diagnosis code for [...]