deeva456
Expert
Is there a dx code to for "painful sternal wire"?
thanks!
thanks!
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Wiki need help with dx
- Thread starter deeva456
- Start date
deeva456
Expert
Thank you!
Chris Clevenger
New
Chris
I use code 996.40- Unspecified mechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant or graft. 996.72 refers to a cardiac device, implant and graft. The sternal wires are not directly connected to the heart ie electodes or grafts. I have not had a problem getting paid using this code.
I use code 996.40- Unspecified mechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant or graft. 996.72 refers to a cardiac device, implant and graft. The sternal wires are not directly connected to the heart ie electodes or grafts. I have not had a problem getting paid using this code.
dpeoples
True Blue
If there is a disruption of the surgical wound you could try using a code from the 998.3_ range, otherwise I would use 998.89.
A sternal wire is not an orthopedic device, nor a cardiac device so the other codes don't quite fit, IMO.
I hope this helps.
lisammy
Guru
I will routinely use 996.49 for a broken sternal wire.
lisigirl
Expert
If the sternal wire is not broken and there is not dehiscence of the wound, then I would code 996.78 and 338.22. I've always considered sternal wires to be an orthopedic implant because they are used to close the sternal bone.
Lisi, CPC
Lisi, CPC