Hello,
I would greatly appreciate another coder's opinion on how they would code the following op report?
A longitudonal incision was made from the nail fold proximally in the midlateral line after elevating the upper nail fold from the nail plate with a freer elevator. A full thickness skin flap was then elevate off the nail plate and the extensor tendon exposing the mucous cyst. The mucous cyst was excised from the flap and we then approached the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). An elliptical piece of capsule was excised overlying the DIP joint. The joint was debrided of any osteophytes and loose bodies. We then irrigated the joint, inspected the extensor tendon which was intact and proceeded with closure with a 5-0 nylon suture.
I came up with 26160 and 26080. Because there is a CCI edit between these two codes, I would only code for 26160 since both procedures were done in the same area. However, the provider disagrees with 26080 and feels that 26236 is the correct code.
Based on the op report, I still believe the correct code is 26080 but now I'm doubting myself because I've done research and see people suggesting 26236 or 26210 for the osteophyte excision..
Thank you in advance.
I would greatly appreciate another coder's opinion on how they would code the following op report?
A longitudonal incision was made from the nail fold proximally in the midlateral line after elevating the upper nail fold from the nail plate with a freer elevator. A full thickness skin flap was then elevate off the nail plate and the extensor tendon exposing the mucous cyst. The mucous cyst was excised from the flap and we then approached the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). An elliptical piece of capsule was excised overlying the DIP joint. The joint was debrided of any osteophytes and loose bodies. We then irrigated the joint, inspected the extensor tendon which was intact and proceeded with closure with a 5-0 nylon suture.
I came up with 26160 and 26080. Because there is a CCI edit between these two codes, I would only code for 26160 since both procedures were done in the same area. However, the provider disagrees with 26080 and feels that 26236 is the correct code.
Based on the op report, I still believe the correct code is 26080 but now I'm doubting myself because I've done research and see people suggesting 26236 or 26210 for the osteophyte excision..
Thank you in advance.