Wiki 27703 with 27704

[adunlap23]

Most total joint revisions include the removal of the original implant. However, 27703 (revision, total ankle) and 27704 (removal of ankle implant) do not bundle. This has be questioning if the two are meant to be billed together.

Thoughts?

 

[NRaizman]

It is not possible to do a revision ankle arthroplasty without taking out the hardware.

This is a Harvard code, never surveyed, so it is an antique and has no vignette. The global service data don’t specify either.

But based on the principle that any hardware removal that is integral to the procedure cannot be billed separately, I would not think it is separately reimbursable.

Medicare claims data suggest it is not billed together with 27704.

 

[amyjph]

Agree. It would follow the same concept as the info in the NCCI manual for the elbow and shoulder. See Chapter IV.

 

[adunlap23]

Thank you, both!