Ccgerson
Guest
The orthopedic surgeon I code for was a co-surgeon for a case with a general surgeon. The surgery was coded as 10061 by the general surgery practice. This is an integumentary code, which doesn't allow a co-surgeon. Although neither does 11042. I'm just looking for some input whether 10061 seems like the correct code. IT is confusing, since the documentation says the incision was carried out TO the fascia, and debridement was performed "between the fascia and subcutaneous tissue".
Diagnosis : Cellulitis with edema and bulla formation no evidence of necrotic tissue, fasciitis or myonecrosis.
"Incision was made over the flexor forearm first where the majority of the bulla were located extending from the wrist to three quarters up the arm. This was carried through the skin and subcutaneous tissues down to the fascia. The muscles and tendon were visible through the fascia there was no evidence of necrotic tissue or necrotizing infection involving the subcutaneous tissue/or muscle. Hemostasis was optimized with electrocautery. The extensor surface of the arm was then carefully inspected and a 6 cm incision made from the dorsum of the hand across the wrist to the distal extensor forearm down to the fascia a copious amount of edematous fluid drained and this was cultured. A third incision was made on the more proximal extensor forearm down to the fascia where a biopsy of the subcutaneous tissues was performed using scissors and forceps. Hemostasis in both wounds were optimized. Extensive dissection between the fascia and the subcutaneous tissues were performed to maximize drainage."
Thank you,
Cindy Gerson, CPC
Diagnosis : Cellulitis with edema and bulla formation no evidence of necrotic tissue, fasciitis or myonecrosis.
"Incision was made over the flexor forearm first where the majority of the bulla were located extending from the wrist to three quarters up the arm. This was carried through the skin and subcutaneous tissues down to the fascia. The muscles and tendon were visible through the fascia there was no evidence of necrotic tissue or necrotizing infection involving the subcutaneous tissue/or muscle. Hemostasis was optimized with electrocautery. The extensor surface of the arm was then carefully inspected and a 6 cm incision made from the dorsum of the hand across the wrist to the distal extensor forearm down to the fascia a copious amount of edematous fluid drained and this was cultured. A third incision was made on the more proximal extensor forearm down to the fascia where a biopsy of the subcutaneous tissues was performed using scissors and forceps. Hemostasis in both wounds were optimized. Extensive dissection between the fascia and the subcutaneous tissues were performed to maximize drainage."
Thank you,
Cindy Gerson, CPC