Wiki ? code description

[peglmrohen]

Can anyone explain what is meant by "w plastic repair" for code 31825?

Thanks,
Peggy M

 

[FTessaBartels]

Plastic repair

This refers to whether additional work was done to hide the original wound (i.e. what a plastic surgeon might do)

Exceprt from Encoder Pro Lay Description:
Report 31820 if the tracheostomy or fistula is closed without plastic repair; report 31825 if the tracheostomy or fistula is closed with plastic repair of the skin made to hide the repair.

The surgeon would have to specifically explain the plastic repair in order to use 31825 vs 31820.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[peglmrohen]

Thanks for your help. I do appreciate you responding.

Peggy