Wiki Ankle arthroscopic procedure using thermal wand

[peporter]

Good morning coders, I need your help with this ankle surgery. How would you code the thermal tightening with capsular shrinking, anterior talofibular ligament? Do I use the unlisted 29999 and compare in price to 27695? Also, how is the chrondroplasty coded? Is it bundled with the synovectomy? Thanks in advace for you help, Paula




The scope was placed in the anteromedial portal. There was
some synovitis throughout the ankle. There was also a small cartilage
lesion on the anterior tibia. An anterolateral portal was created using
an outside-in technique. The skin was incised with a scalpel. Blunt
dissection was taken into the joint. A shaver was placed in the joint.
A synovectomy was completed. A chondroplasty was completed on the
distal tibia and the cartilage injury was removed. The anterior
talofibular ligament was inspected. This was probed. This was staple
and thought to be lax. A thermal shrink wand by ArthroCare was placed
in the anterolateral portal and the anterior talofibular ligament was
tightened with a thermal wand. The capsule around this was also
tightened as well. Once this was completed the rest of the debris was
irrigated out with a shaver. The instruments were all withdrawn.

 

[klestes]

I would use the unlisted code for the thermal shrinkage and yes chondroplasty is bundled with the synovectomy

 

[peporter]

Thanks so much for your help..I appreciate having this forum to get feedback from other coders..Paula