Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our surgeon admitted a patient for revision of an amputation stump following hematoma formation due to bone bleeding. Should we report 998.12 as the diagnosis code, or would 997.69 be more appropriate?


Tennessee Subscriber


Answer:  You should report 997.69 (Amputation stump complication; other) as your primary diagnosis. According to the American Hospital Association-s ICD-9 Coding Clinic for the fourth quarter of 1995, -Category 997.6, Amputation stump complication, is for use to describe all complications of amputation stumps, whether due to a current amputation or to the late effect of an amputation.-

You should report 998.12 (Hematoma complicating a procedure) as a secondary diagnosis to show the insurer that the surgeon had to deal with a hematoma during the revision.