Wiki Arthroscopic open reduction internal fixation of an osteochhondral flap

[codedog]

Patient had a partial lateral meniscectomy but then had an attempted arthroscopic orif of an osteochondral flap, it was an attempt, so he had to also do the excision of hardware. Can I code for this or do I JUST BILL 29881, CONFUSED
I would say bill excision of hardware but then where did I GET THE HARDWARE IF I DONT BILL THE ORIF- ?????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[mbort]

I would probably bill the attempted ORIF with a modifier 52 since it was incomplete, removing the hardware would be incidental to the incompletion of the primary code.

Hope this helps
Mary, CPC, COSC

 

[codedog]

WHAT Code would u use besides 29881 ?