Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Ankle Surgery
Published on Sat Dec 01, 2001
Question: Which codes should I use for arthroscopy and debridement of ankle: arthroscopic corticotomy of the talar dome and distal tibia articular surface and ankle arthrodesis ankle with percutaneous internal fixation under fluoroscopy?
New York Subscriber
Answer: Although it may appear that multiple codes are required to describe this procedure, 27870 (arthrodesis, ankle, any method) is the only code to report. The AAOS Global Service Data book instructs that 27870 includes in the global package decortication of the tibia, fibula and talus as well as arthroscopic debridement and removal of loose bodies.
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