Wiki Need help understanding aftercare codes

[Coder 646]

I have a question on V54.89. When is it appropriate to use this follow-up code? For example: if a patient is returning for a follow-up of an injury-i.e.-sprained ankle, tendonitis of whatever site, torn muscle or ligament and the injury has improved or resolved-is it ok to use the V54.89 code? There are no aftercare codes that reflect these types of injuries. I have read the ICD-9 coding guidelines and it is very vague about this particular code.

Thanks.

 

[dadhich.girish]

If the condition is being treated medically and not surgically, I would code V67.59. If surgical treatment is provided and the condition is healing, respective code from V54.xx series. If it has resolved, I would rather not code it.

HTH.