Wiki Splinter Removal Question

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If physician states knife blade wound entry extended distally & proximally 1.5cm, splinter (2") was taken out from muscle tissue deep area (hand) would the proper coding be 20525 instead of subcutaneous. Any advise?
Deb
 
Hi all ,
In ER when the physician removes a splinter and if the physician applies simple repair or even layered closure, then we can code intermediate closure (12031 to 12057 .
[ see the guidelines given before the page of Repair codes(12001-12057) ]

20103 and 20525 are surgical procedures done by orthopedic surgeons , not by the ER physicians.
Hope it helps

Samson BPT., CPC
 
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20103 and 20525 are not limited to ortho surgeons. I agree that 20525 may not be correct as the information provided does not stated the incision went into the muscle so I do agree with the 20103.
 
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