Wiki billing amputation code vs work done to save the finger

[debmorrison]

Hello,
I work for an orthopaedic hand specialist who does traumic hand work. There have been a few instances where he has spent several hours trying to save a partially amputated finger/hand, and ultimately he had to amputate. We were coding all of the work done prior to the amputation as well as the amputation code. Unfortunately, the insurance companies are bundling everything in the amputation code.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to fight the denials and/or other coding ideas???

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
thanks,
debbie

 

[jdemar]

How about the 22 modifier and note all the extra time involved, etc.... or was it done at different operative times...then add the 58 modifier for staged/more extensive procedure than the surgery.