• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki 97605 in OR with another surgery

Create Wiki
K

KJenkins588

Networker
Messages
34
Location
Oshkosh, WI
Best answers
0
Has anyone found that Medicare will deny a wound vac at the time of another surgery if done in the OR? I have a tiny note from a previous coder that used to work where I do and when I asked her about it she is unsure where she found this information or if it was just a bunch of denials that she was getting and just noticing that they won't pay for it. Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks,
Kayla
 
97605 bundles with surgery

97605 WILL bundle with the primary surgery when done at the time of that surgery ... in effect, it's considered the "closure." You CAN code it for continued VAC treatment performed on subsequent day(s).

HOWEVER ... let's say that you are performing an appendectomy, and ALSO addressing a large open wound of the chest. Two completely different operative sites. You would need to use a -59 modifier on 97605. You'd probably still get a denial but you would then appeal with operative note(s) showing two distinct operative "incisions."

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top