Wiki Arthroscopy Chondroplasties of Knee

Create Wiki
C

cwilson3333

Expert
Messages
289
Location
Hamilton, VA
Best answers
0
I need help coding this surgical report:
Chondroplasty Patella, Femoral Trochlea, Lateral Tibial Plateau, with Excision of Loose Bodies of Knee. This is a Blue Cross of Virginia claim.

The patella had gross chondromalacia, down to bone in some areas, but no microfracture was done. I think this is the primary procedure.

Can I code: CPT 29877 [patella]
G0289 x 2 [femoral trochlea, lateral tibia plateau]
29874 [loose bodies]

Would appreciate some comments on this coding.[/B][/B]
 
cwilson3333 said:
I need help coding this surgical report:
Chondroplasty Patella, Femoral Trochlea, Lateral Tibial Plateau, with Excision of Loose Bodies of Knee. This is a Blue Cross of Virginia claim.

The patella had gross chondromalacia, down to bone in some areas, but no microfracture was done. I think this is the primary procedure.

Can I code: CPT 29877 [patella]
G0289 x 2 [femoral trochlea, lateral tibia plateau]
29874 [loose bodies]

Would appreciate some comments on this coding.[/B][/B]
Click to expand...

(29874)Arthroscopic removal of loose or foreign bodies through the arthroscopic sheath is included in the base procedure.
Removal of loose or foreign bodies that are greater than 5mm or through a separate incision are separately reportable. The op note has to include that information to bill for it.
(29877)A chondroplasty is only reported once, regardless of how many areas are debrided or shaved.
So, if the 29874 is applicable according to the above then I would code this as
29874 loose bodies
G0289 patella (Femoral trochlea...included in Patella compartment)
G0289/59 lateral
there are only 3 compartments in the knee: Medial, Lateral, Patello-Femoral.

If 29874 is not documented in the op note to be billed then you can only code this as:
29877 (One time)!!!

Hope that helps you.
;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top