Wiki Does 77071 need a separate report ?!

[Linda77]

Hello Everyone!
My question is does a Dr. need to dictate or write a separate report when doing 77071 in the OR?
Or is it sufficient if it is included in the Operative note? The Dr. does not own the equipment.
So I am thinking 77071-26 and the facility would do 77071-TC. I read somewhere that the Dr.
needs to mention metal lined gloves?? Any help on documentation, Coding and billing(denials) would
be great!

 

[Orthocoderpgu]

You don't need a "separate" report

Code 77071 is for stressing a joint by the provider and an X-ray is taken while the joint is stressed. The surgeon then looks at the X-ray to see if the joint space is widened.

You don't put modifiers -26 or -TC on this code. There is no "equipment" other than the surgeon's hands.

You can bill for the reading of the X-ray.

The physician would need to state in the op note that the joint was stressed and the interpretation of the X-ray.

 

[Linda77]

Thank you so much!!