General Surgery Coding Alert

Question: Can I only report +11008 with codes 11004-11006? Or can I use it with other surgical procedure codes when my surgeon removes infected mesh?

Nevada Subscriber

Answer: In 2008, the American Medical Association (AMA) changed the definition of +11008 from "Removal of prosthetic material or mesh, abdominal wall for necrotizing soft tissue infection (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)" to "Removal of prosthetic material or mesh, abdominal wall for infection (e.g., for chronic or recurrent mesh infection or necrotizing soft tissue infection) (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)."

Coders hoped that with wording change would open up the possibility of using +11008 for removal of infected mesh following hernia repair, for instance, instead of only in cases of extreme infection. However, the notes after +11008 still indicate the you should use +11008 with 10180 (Incision and drainage, complex, postoperative wound infection) and 11004-11006 (Debridement of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and fascia for necrotizing soft tissue infection -)