trigger finger

[jbagsic]

what cpt code to use? 20550?

[neonelena]

If the release was done through an incision try 26055; "The physician makes an incision in a tendon sheath to release tension in the tendon. (For example, this procedure would be performed to relieve trigger finger.) The physician incises the skin overlying the tendon and dissects to the tendon sheath The sheath is incised lengthwise. The incision is sutured in layers.

[jbagsic]

the procedure note looks like " injected finger w/ X. patient tolerated procedure well. " dx is trigger finger.

[neonelena]

if injection was done then you can use 20550 or 20551. I'm more inclined to the 'origin' (20551). Anyway in both procedures the physician identifies the injection site by 'X'.

hope this helps!

[jbagsic]

thank you very much!

[racheleporter]

I looked in the index for trigger finger and it reads 26055...hope this helps

Originally Posted by jbagsic

what cpt code to use? 20550?

[vikii]

What is the proper way to code a bilateral 20550 for medicare (current/Palmetto) payment? Modifier 50 is not allowed. When mod 59 is appended it is denied as inclusive.

Thank you,

vikii

[Anna Weaver]

I would code with the appropriate digit modifier FA through F9 and then you shouldn't need the 59 with this.

[vikii]

In this case 20550 is being reported for Podiatry services injected to the "sinus tarsi" bilateral & sometimes more than once on the same foot.

When billed previously to NHIC as 20550 X # injected was paid???

Thanks