Hi - This is the Scenario:
Preop DX: Left carpal tunnel syndrome
Postop DX: Same
Anesthesia: Bier Block
Procedure Performed: Left carpal tunnel release, median epineurolysis
Findings: Median nerve was adherent but no masses.
Indications: Pt has documented CTS based on EMG and desires elective release.
Procedure: The pt was taken to the OR, positioned supine on the table and anesthesia was admnistered. The limb was prepped & draped in sterile fashion, elevated using compressive bandage & the tourniquet was inflated to 225mmhg. The gauge was tested for oscillation. Local infiltration w 1% Xylocaine into the medial & ulnar positions were performed.
An incision was made dep thru the subcu tissues. Bleeding points were electrocoagulated using bipolar cautery and skin edges were handled atraumatically. Palmar fascia was identified & incised and the transverse carpal ligament was exposed. A wide release was achieved by opening its ulnar most aspect and carrying the dissection distally to crossing the ulnar neurovascular bundle & proximally under vision in the antebrachial fascia of the forearm. The median nerve was adherent and an epiurotomy was carried out.
( I think that was a typo and they meant to say EPINEUROTOMY ). .....sponge, instrument and needle counts were correct.
Now the correct codes given were: 64721 and 354.0. I thought 64727 should be assigned because of the epineurolysis - Any thoughts on that ? Thank you in advance !
Noelle
Preop DX: Left carpal tunnel syndrome
Postop DX: Same
Anesthesia: Bier Block
Procedure Performed: Left carpal tunnel release, median epineurolysis
Findings: Median nerve was adherent but no masses.
Indications: Pt has documented CTS based on EMG and desires elective release.
Procedure: The pt was taken to the OR, positioned supine on the table and anesthesia was admnistered. The limb was prepped & draped in sterile fashion, elevated using compressive bandage & the tourniquet was inflated to 225mmhg. The gauge was tested for oscillation. Local infiltration w 1% Xylocaine into the medial & ulnar positions were performed.
An incision was made dep thru the subcu tissues. Bleeding points were electrocoagulated using bipolar cautery and skin edges were handled atraumatically. Palmar fascia was identified & incised and the transverse carpal ligament was exposed. A wide release was achieved by opening its ulnar most aspect and carrying the dissection distally to crossing the ulnar neurovascular bundle & proximally under vision in the antebrachial fascia of the forearm. The median nerve was adherent and an epiurotomy was carried out.
( I think that was a typo and they meant to say EPINEUROTOMY ). .....sponge, instrument and needle counts were correct.
Now the correct codes given were: 64721 and 354.0. I thought 64727 should be assigned because of the epineurolysis - Any thoughts on that ? Thank you in advance !
Noelle
