Wiki Excisional Debridement - ICD-9

[staceylh]

Can anyone clarify how an excisional debridement performed "to the level of muscle" should be coded using ICD-9 procedure codes? Physician documentation does not clarify whether muscle tissue was excised. Does he have to state that muscle tissue was included in order to code 83.45? There's no path report available.

 

[jjhamer1]

11043 [11046] (11043, 11046)

The physician surgically removes necrotic muscle and/or fascia, including epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, if performed. The physician uses a scalpel to excise the affected tissue into the muscle layer. The dissection is continued until viable, bleeding tissue is encountered. Depending on wound size, closure may be immediate or delayed. The wound may be packed open with gauze and require immediate or delayed reconstruction. Report 11043 for the first 20 sq cm or less and 11046 for each additional 20 sq cm or part thereof.
ICD-9 - 83.45 Myectomy