Wiki Ankle fusion with lateral ligament repair

[suec]

Hi, would the below be coded with the ankle fusion. CPT 27702. Thinking it is integral to the fusion, same surgical site, and not code. But am not sure if this would be integral to the fusion or coded with 28302 or 27695. Thanks.

Surgeon is calling this : ankle lateral ligament repair
a separate incision was made over the lateral ankle ligament capsule. A bony trough was created into the fibula. Utilized a Fiber Wire and using a vest over pants technique imbricated the capsule & remaining ligamentous tissue into the bony trough on the fibula which eliminated the talar tilt.

 

[NRaizman]

Confused.

27702 is ankle replacement, not ankle fusion. Completely and totally different procedure.

If you fuse the ankle, there is no reason to need to repair the lateral ankle ligaments, as the ankle joint is obliterated and fused.

If you replace the ankle, any ligament or capsular repair is considered integral to the procedure, per the GSD. 27695 is a primary repair, 27698 is a secondary repair or Brostrom-type procedure. Either way, this would be generally considered part of the index procedure for a total ankle. 28302 is an osteotomy, which was not done here.

 

[suec]

Thank you very much for the information.
Will check the procedure vs typo.