How Do I Code An Arthroscopic To Open Ankle Surgery?

Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove a loose body in the ankle arthroscopically, but it was too large so he had to perform an open removal. Do I bill only for the open procedure, or include the arthroscopic attempt as a discontinued procedure? Answer: Because your surgeon completed the procedure as an open case, you’ll report [...] Related articles:
  1. 4 Tips Position Your ‘Multiple Scope’ Codes PerfectlyOrtho coders: Here’s what you should do when there’s no...
  2. Coding Challenge: Foot Foreign Body Removal Vs. Soft-Tissue FBRQuestion: Our physician performed a foreign-body removal (FBR) on a...
  3. Medicare Coverage for Bariatric Surgery: Do You Know These BMI Guidelines?Question: I heard that Medicare made some changes about diabetic...

Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove a loose body in the ankle arthroscopically, but it was too large so he had to perform an open removal. Do I bill only for the open procedure, or include the arthroscopic attempt as a discontinued procedure?

Answer: Because your surgeon completed the procedure as an open case, you’ll report only 27620 (Arthrotomy, ankle, with joint exploration, with or without biopsy, with or without removal of loose or foreign body) Include V64.43 (Arthroscopic surgical procedure converted to open procedure) as a secondary diagnosis.

Serenity Bay Chronicles

Arthroscopic answer: If the physician had completed the procedure arthroscopically, you would submit 29894 (Arthroscopy, ankle, [tibiotalar and fibulotalar joints], surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body) instead.

© Orthopedic Coding Alert. Download your 2 FREE sample issues here.

Orthopedic Coders: Do you understand the new consult coding rules? Get clear answers from our 2010 orthopedic coding audio update on January 7th.

Related articles:

  1. 4 Tips Position Your ‘Multiple Scope’ Codes PerfectlyOrtho coders: Here’s what you should do when there’s no…
  2. Coding Challenge: Foot Foreign Body Removal Vs. Soft-Tissue FBRQuestion: Our physician performed a foreign-body removal (FBR) on a…
  3. Medicare Coverage for Bariatric Surgery: Do You Know These BMI Guidelines?Question: I heard that Medicare made some changes about diabetic…

CPC Exam Study Guide
CCA Exam Study Guide
CCS Exam Study Guide
CPB Exam Study Guide
CRC Exam Study Guide
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest