fish4codes
Networker
I am struggling with the fact that the codes bundle for these procedures and what seems to be the lesser procedure (24105) is the primary code and the arthrotomy is code 2 of the pair (24101/24000).
PROCEDURE: Incision and drainage of chronic draining olecranon bursa from left elbow (Charcot joint) with arthrotomy of pseudojoint, Charcot joint, left elbow and excision of chronically inflamed/infected olecranon bursa, left elbow.
Physician incises and identifies chronically inflamed bursa, opens bursa, collects fluid, sends for culture, etc., physician then carefully dissects the bursa down to origin of pseudojoint and opens joint capsule. Pseudojoint is thoroughly irrigated with 3L normal saline using cystoscopy tubing including removal of several large foreign bodies. At end of procedure surgeon excised majority of the olecranon bursa and sent for pathologic exam. A small bit was left attached to the pseudojoint capsule. Closure ensued.....
Any guidance in the proper coding of this is very much appreciated! Thanks in advance.... (Wondering, would the fact that he did not excise the entire bursa be enough to allow the use of the arthrotomy code only?....thoughts?)
PROCEDURE: Incision and drainage of chronic draining olecranon bursa from left elbow (Charcot joint) with arthrotomy of pseudojoint, Charcot joint, left elbow and excision of chronically inflamed/infected olecranon bursa, left elbow.
Physician incises and identifies chronically inflamed bursa, opens bursa, collects fluid, sends for culture, etc., physician then carefully dissects the bursa down to origin of pseudojoint and opens joint capsule. Pseudojoint is thoroughly irrigated with 3L normal saline using cystoscopy tubing including removal of several large foreign bodies. At end of procedure surgeon excised majority of the olecranon bursa and sent for pathologic exam. A small bit was left attached to the pseudojoint capsule. Closure ensued.....
Any guidance in the proper coding of this is very much appreciated! Thanks in advance.... (Wondering, would the fact that he did not excise the entire bursa be enough to allow the use of the arthrotomy code only?....thoughts?)
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