Orthopedic Coding Alert
READER QUESTION ~ Modifier 51 Indicates 2 Tendons
Published on Thu Mar 01, 2007
Question: Our surgeon performed a tenolysis on the peroneus brevis and longus tendons of the right hindfoot, both through the same incision. Should I report 27680 twice, or should I just report 27681? Answer: You should report 27680 (Tenolysis, flexor or extensor tendon, leg and/or ankle; single, each tendon) on the first line item, and 27680-51 (Multiple procedures) on the second line item. Because 27680 is a -per tendon- code, you can report it twice to indicate that the surgeon addressed two tendons.
Missouri Subscriber
Because 27681 (- multiple tendons [through separate incisions]) refers to separate incisions, you cannot report this code for your surgeon's work.
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