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Anesthesia Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Verify if 21740 Applies to Sternum Repair

Published on Thu Jun 07, 2007

Question: Our patient had an unstable sternum, so the surgeon repaired it by attaching sternal plates and wires. How should I code this?


Rhode Island Subscriber

 
Answer: The closest surgical code is 21740 (Reconstructive repair of pectus excavatum or carinatum; open), which crosses to anesthesia code 00474 (Anesthesia for partial rib resection; radical procedures [e.g., pectus excavatum]). If your physician's documentation doesn't support this code, your other option is 01999 (Unlisted anesthesia procedure[s]). 
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