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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Op Note Coding:

3 Simple Steps Take Control of This Complex Total Knee Replacement Scenario

Published on Mon Oct 04, 2010

Modifier 22 addresses the necrotic bone graft from the prior fixation. If you can tackle this complex knee replacement (TKR) op note, coding future atypical op notes should be a breeze. Although you may be accustomed to TKR op notes, an unusual case might send you into a panic. Take a deep breath. Break down the procedure coding into three manageable steps. First, Read the Op Note Review the op report and code the procedure on your own. Then check out our expert advice below. Preoperative diagnosis: Status post severe bicondylar proximal tibia fracture, and post open reduction internal fixation with bone grafting (failed). Procedure overview: The surgeon scheduled a patient for hardware removal (from a tibia fracture), as well as a total knee replacement. When he opened the patient, he found it necessary to perform major deep hardware removal, tibial tubercle reconstruction, trabecular metal coil insertion, wedge medial tibial [...]
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