Wiki 27303 coded with 20702 & 20703

[pwebbabshire@cox.net]

Okay I have the code 27303 which the Dr. wants coded. Also, wants to code 20702 & 20703. The problem is cpt code 27303 is not one listed as a qualifying code to go with 20702, 20703. Dr. did take out the spacer intramedullary though. Any thoughts on this case?
Thanks,

 

[amyjph]

There is not enough information here to help you. If you are trying to report an add-on code with no parent code, you cannot.
We would need to know the op report information. What was the reason the original abx spacer was put in? Nonunion w/ infection, was there an open fx? Is the knee joint or hip joint involved at all?

 

[pwebbabshire@cox.net]

Okay so the patient had a open femur shaft fracture from a gunshot. Patient developed an intercalary defect where the fracture is. In the original surgery, Dr. repaired the nonunion without graft 27470 with a partial excision/diaphysectomy of the femur 27360. Dr. inserted a nonabsorbable intramedullary anitiotic cement spacer 20702. Now in the second surgery Dr. is taking a bone biopsy/incision femoral cortex 27303, removal of intramedullary antibiotic cement spacer 20703 & implantation of intramedullary antibiotic beads 20702. Now the 27303 code is not listed as a qualifying code to be used with 20702 & 20703, so I am thinking about omiting these two codes. Patient has no infection. I do not usually code for the Dr. taking out a spacer if fixation or repair is at the same spot. Would you just omit the two codes or any suggestions to capture the bead placement?
Thanks,