Wiki Wound VAC area question

[ljones88]

Hi all,

My instinct is telling me that the sq area should be documented in the op note but I wanted to check with other coders to confirm this. Is the area required to be documented in the op note in order to bill 97605-97608?

I have a physician stating, "a small wound vac was then placed..." but I thought the actual area had to be documented for proper code selection.

Thanks!

 

[KANDREWS131]

I always make sure the area is in the operative note. I've been told before that if they do not list the dimensions, you can bill the smallest sq ft code, but I don't know how well that would hold up in an audit.