Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Thermal Debridement
Published on Fri Feb 01, 2002
Question: Our physician performed an arthroscopic radiofrequency thermal debriding of unstable articular cartilage in all three compartments of the knee. How should this be coded?
Vermont Subscriber
Answer: Since the treatment is a thermal (rather than surgical) debridement, use unspecified arthroscopy code 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy). Submit the operative report and a letter explaining that the arthroscopy was used as a guide for the thermal debridement with the claim.
Other Articles in this issue of
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Elementary Coding:
Overcome the Challenges of Playground Accidents, Childhood Sports Injuries
An orthopedic injury can seriously impact a child's physical maturity. Coding for these injuries is [...] - Component, Location Shed Light on X-Ray Coding
Orthopedists make routine use of x-rays as part of good healthcare practice, sending patients to [...] - You Be the Coder:
Electrothermal Arthroscopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - News Brief:
New Medicare Code Identifies Pain Management Specialists
On Jan. 1, 2002, CMS assigned a new specialty code for physicians who specialize in [...] - CCI Bundling Uniplane, Fracture Codes Contradicts Guidelines
Correct Coding Initiative 8.0, in effect Jan. 1-March 31, 2002, includes more than 200 references [...] - Reader Question:
Consultation and Fracture
Question: Our orthopedic surgeon was called to the emergency room to treat a patient. After [...] - Reader Question:
Thermal Debridement
Question: Our physician performed an arthroscopic radiofrequency thermal debriding of unstable articular cartilage in all [...] - Reader Question:
Synvisc/Hyalgan Injections
Question: For Synvisc/Hyalgan injections, we usually have to order the medication after precertifying the patients. [...] - Reader Question:
Necrotic Hip
Question: Our physician diagnosed a patient in the office with a necrotic hip pressure ulcer, [...] - Reader Question:
Partial Hip Replacement
Question: Our hip surgeon did a revision of a total hip replacement, replacing the acetabular [...] - Reader Question:
C3-4 Laminoplasty
Question: What is the best code to report a C3-4 laminoplasty?
Missouri Subscriber
Answer: This [...] - Reader Question:
Knee Arthroscopy
Question: Can 29879 be reported with 29877 if the two procedures are performed in different [...] - Reader Question:
Knee Arthroplasty Follow-Up
Question: How should we use the V code when reporting treatment of a patient for [...]
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