Wiki Incidental surgery findings

[PLAIDMAN]

Can anyone please direct me on where I can find a definition on what exactly incidental findings during surgery would encompass and how,what,why something would be included as incidental.

Thanks
Dawn

 

[kevbshields]

Incidental findings are noteworthy occurances or conditions uncovered during the surgical encounter. Examples might include a patient who at the time of a hernia repair also has a spermatic cord lipoma. Sometimes these incidental findings require additional clinical attention and other times they may not require immediate attention.

Please note that under ICD-9 Section IV (Diagnostic Coding and Reporting Guidelines for Outpatient Services), item K, coders are instructed to code all documented conditions that coexist.

Hope this is of help to you.

 

[PLAIDMAN]

I am having more of an issue with cpt. My doc did knee scope meniscectomy, chondroplasty, then says he "burred oteophyte off of tibia" I can't really find a code for any bony work, chondroplasty is cartilage, do I bill an unlisted? Should I bill at all? My doc will ask why he can't charge three grand for it???

Thanks
Dawn