Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: A patient underwent AC joint reconstruction due to a chronic grade-4 joint separation with heterotopic ossification. What diagnosis should we submit?

Arkansas Subscriber

Answer: Because the physician is treating the heterotopic ossification associated with the shoulder problem, you'll report two diagnoses: 728.13 (Postoperative heterotopic calcification) and 905.6 (Late effect of dislocation).

Tip: Although you might sometimes see the condition called "heterotopic calcification," ortopedists commonly call it "heterotopic ossification," or HO.