Wiki TKA post op infection

[Scatlot]

If a patient develops an infection after the TKA, do we assume that it is due to the prosthesis or does the doctor have to state it is an inflammatory reaction? I'm trying to decide which diagnosis code to use:
998.59 post op wound infection or
996.66 infection and inflammatory process due to internal joint prosthesis

Thanks for any help!

 

[cjacobs]

You will need to know more information regarding the infection because if you code any other way you will be just assuming. To be on the safe I would probably use the 998.59 post op wound infection if anything.