Orthopedic Coding Alert
Lateral Release is Inclusive in Patellar Reconstruction
Question: "An arthroscopic lateral release was performed in standard technique using electric Bovie cautery. With this completed, it was then subluxed only 25% and less tilted. The medial patellofemoral ligament avulsion was identified and debrided and a 3-cm incision longitudinally was made hugging the medial side of the patella, dissected down, found the avulsed fragment debrided. Two anchors were placed 2.9 absorbable at the corners, double loaded and the medial patellofemoral ligament avulsion piece was repaired down to bone. Superior VMO reefing was performed, absorbable sutures and then absorbable for the skin, portals nylon. After the repair, arthroscopy showed the patella was well seated." Can we report 27422 (Reconstruction of dislocating patella; with extensor realignment and/or muscle advancement or release [eg, Campbell, Goldwaite type procedure]). Is code 29873(Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lateral release) bundled with 27422? Does 27422 also include the repair of patellofemoral ligament? Alaska Subscriber Answer:
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- CPT® 2012 Update:
Arthrodesis, Laminectomy, Limb Compression, And Palmar Injections Top Your 2012 Changes List
Equip yourself with new codes and revisionsWith the 2012 codes being applicable, you will need [...] - Coding Strategies:
Here's How to Confidently Code For Insertion, Removal, And Reinsertion Of Spinal Instrumentation
Approach, span and devices influence your claim If your surgeon provides spinal instrumentation services, you'll [...] - ICD-10 Update:
Look For Regions To Report Radiculopathy
Single ICD-9 code spans to four codes in ICD-10. Radiculopathy is site-specific for spinal regions [...] - Billing & Collections:
Modifier Mythbuster: Clean Up Your Modifier 24 Claims By Learning the Truth About 5 Common Myths: Part 1
Focus on the surgeon's documentation, not the appointment book.If you want to ensure you get [...] - You Be the Coder:
Simplify Reporting of Rotator Cuff Repair
Question: Can we report 29827 with modifier -22 (Increased Procedural Services:...) or -52 (Reduced Services:...) [...] - Reader Question:
Report Triceps Tendon Rupture
Question: How do we report a triceps tendon rupture?Georgia SubscriberAnswer: You report 840.8 (Sprain of [...] - Reader Question:
Select One Code for Arthroscopy in Each Knee Compartment
Question: Our surgeon did an arthroscopic medial meniscus repair and lateral meniscectomy. The scrub on [...] - Reader Question:
Lateral Release is Inclusive in Patellar Reconstruction
Question: For right knee patellar dislocation, tear medial patellofemoral ligament with hemarthrosis, our surgeon did [...] - Reader Question:
Do Not Report Casts Independently
Question: When correcting club feet by releasing the Achilles and then applying the cast do [...]
