Our office is having a discussion about the correct way to bill for Heberden Cyst excision & we are finding conflicting information online. Hoping someone can help out.
Dr's note:
Preoperative diagnosis; left long finger Heberden's cyst
Postoperative diagnosis ; left long finger Heberden's cyst
Procedure; left long finger Heberden's cystectomy with interphalangeal joint capsulotomy and removal of osteocartilaginous spurs.
Description of procedure; Using sterile technique, the surgical site was anesthetized locally with 10cc of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The patient was taken to the procedure room and placed in the supine position. The surgical extremity was prepped and draped in sterile fashion. A one inch mercedesl incision was made dorsally over the distal interphalangeal joint. Sharp dissection was taken through skin and the extensor mechanism was exposed. A longitudinal incision was made lateral to the extensor tendon and a capsulotomy created. The osteocartilaginous spurs were removed. The wound was rinsed with saline and then the skin was closed with horizontal mattress stitches of 5-0 Prolene. A soft dressing was applied and the patient was escorted out of the procedure room in good condition.
I just took over his billing & apparently Dr has been coding this: 26160 & 26525. Not confident that is correct. Does anyone have some information they can pass along or can help us in this area?
Thank you!
Dr's note:
Preoperative diagnosis; left long finger Heberden's cyst
Postoperative diagnosis ; left long finger Heberden's cyst
Procedure; left long finger Heberden's cystectomy with interphalangeal joint capsulotomy and removal of osteocartilaginous spurs.
Description of procedure; Using sterile technique, the surgical site was anesthetized locally with 10cc of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The patient was taken to the procedure room and placed in the supine position. The surgical extremity was prepped and draped in sterile fashion. A one inch mercedesl incision was made dorsally over the distal interphalangeal joint. Sharp dissection was taken through skin and the extensor mechanism was exposed. A longitudinal incision was made lateral to the extensor tendon and a capsulotomy created. The osteocartilaginous spurs were removed. The wound was rinsed with saline and then the skin was closed with horizontal mattress stitches of 5-0 Prolene. A soft dressing was applied and the patient was escorted out of the procedure room in good condition.
I just took over his billing & apparently Dr has been coding this: 26160 & 26525. Not confident that is correct. Does anyone have some information they can pass along or can help us in this area?
Thank you!