Wiki ORIF Scaphoid with bone graft

[such78]

Dx: Scaphoid proximal pole fracture, 5-6 weeks old
Procedure: ORIF scaphoid with the bone graft ( obtained from radius)
Should I code it as 25628 ( ORIF scaphoid ) or 25440 - Nonunion scaphoid included bone graft and fixation?
Should I query the surgeon to clarify if the fracture is nonunion?

 

[Orthocoderpgu]

5 - 6 weeks of healing is a bit early to decide if it is non-union or mal-union. I would ask the physician just to make sure. Without the physician specifically stating non-union or mal-union I would use the ORIF codes. That would be a good rule of thumb to go by.

 

[such78]

5 - 6 weeks of healing is a bit early to decide if it is non-union or mal-union. I would ask the physician just to make sure. Without the physician specifically stating non-union or mal-union I would use the ORIF codes. That would be a good rule of thumb to go by.

I am appreciated your reply.