Wiki Ex fix removal with delayed ORIF

[aalley]

What are your thoughts on billing for removal of an external fixator along with an ORIF? The ex fix was put on as initial treatment and now a week and a half later it is being removed and the fracture is being repaired with internal fixation. Just not sure if this would be considered a componant of the ORIF approach.

 

[nyyankees]

What are your thoughts on billing for removal of an external fixator along with an ORIF? The ex fix was put on as initial treatment and now a week and a half later it is being removed and the fracture is being repaired with internal fixation. Just not sure if this would be considered a componant of the ORIF approach.

Sounds like a staged (Mod 58) procedure. So I would think you could bill the removal along with the ORIF.

 

[jdemar]

Yes, bill it with modifiers 58,51 and the ORIF.

 

[Kimberly Smith]

I agree. For instance GSD for 27507 excludes application of external fixation so if you are coding removal under anesthesia with ORIF it would be reportable with 58.