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Orthopedic Coding Alert

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Medial Meniscectomy, Chrondoplasty

Published on Sat Jul 04, 2009

Question: My orthopedist documented the following: I introduced a probe through an anteromedial portal. The probing and partial medial meniscectomy (performed with punch shaver and electrocautery back to a stable rim) defined the extent of the medial meniscal tear. I aspirated several cartilaginous loose bodies through the scope and removed with the shaver. In order to better visualize the lateral compartment, I performed the wide debridement of the inflamed fat pad, ligamentum mucosum, synovium as well as the medial plica with shaver and electrocautery.Visualization of the lateral compartment then again showed that the lateral meniscus did not have a clinically significant tear. However, there was chondromalacia of the lateral tibial plateau. I performed an abrasion chondroplasty of the surface with shaver and electrocautery. My physician submitted 29879, 29881, and 29875, but I dont think this is right. What should I report? Georgia Subscriber Answer: You should report the medial meniscectomy [...]
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