Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Removal of Foreign Body with Fluoroscopy

Published on Mon Apr 01, 2002

Question: How should I code for fluoroscopy used to remove a foreign body from a finger?

Florida Subscriber
Answer: When using fluoroscopy to facilitate removal of a foreign body, the correct code to use is 73140 (Radiologic examination, finger[s], minimum of two views). This code can accompany either procedure code 20520* (Removal of foreign body in muscle or tendon sheath; simple) or 20525 ( deep or complicated), depending on the complexity of the removal. If the removal procedure also involves drainage of an abscess, report 26010* (Drainage of finger abscess; simple).
  Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were reviewed by John Turner, MD, FACEP, medical director for coding and documentation at TeamHealth Inc. in Knoxville, Tenn.; and Tracie Christian, CPC, CCS-P, director of coding for ProCode in Dallas.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All