Wiki laceration repair?

[BFAITHFUL]

help with DX?

patient sustained a deep wound on his forehead which was managed but not sewn, patient had the area unfortunately managed with expected observation and it is clear that the wound itself should have been properly sewn at the time. at this juncture, the patient is having the laceration completely revised.
So I know the op report (not posted here) does describe a complex repair (13132) but should I just use the laceration dx or what the path. report has, which is scar 709.2

 

[FTessaBartels]

Was the wound open?

If the wound was still open then you could use a wound Dx. However, if the wound had healed, and required excision of the scar and reclosure, then using the scar diagnosis would be appropriate.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[mitchellde]

do not forget to use a late effect code also such as late effect of injury.

 

[BFAITHFUL]

you see that's what I'm confused about... I bill for ASC and this is all I have.... whether the wound has healed , I don't know but reading this doesn't it look like it hasn't healed?

Thank you both!