Wiki Dx for labs due to Hip arthroplasty recall

[aholla04]

I have an order where a doctor ordered lab work(Cobalt and Chromium Ion levels in whole blood) due to a "recall" on a Total Hip arthroplasty. What would the diagnosis be? I'm not sure the a orthopaedic aftercare "v" code is correct. (It was ordered at the hospital where I code, so this is what would go on the hospital claim)

Thanks!

 

[eware]

If the surgical product was recalled, this sounds like a mechanical defect to me, which would mean it is a mechanical complication. I would report Code 996.40--Unspecified mechanical complicatyion of internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft, if the medical record did not specify the type of problem with the prosthesis that led to the recall, or 996.49--Other mechanical complication if the recalled item has broken in the patient's bone or has dislocated and a piece is logded in the patient's bone. Whichever you decide to use, you'll need to add code V43.64 to indicate the organ replaced was the patient's hip joint. Hope this helps.