Wiki Splinter removal with debridement?

[mizzmaryb]

I know in order to use 10120/10121 there has to be indication in the notes stating there was an incision of some sort removing foreign body. But what about this case?

Pt comes in for removal of sliver from sharpening ax. it's become callused. dr cleaned area with alcohol and the splinter was extracted slowly after debridement of the callus. an 11 blade was used. no bleeding. no pus or signs of infection. area was cleaned and a sterile dressing was applied.

how would this be coded? i'm torn between 10120/10121 with a mod 52? i don't feel this should be billed as just a low e.m.

any feedback is appreciated. thanks!

 

[kmhall]

I am thinking this should be charged as a debridement. But the debridement codes indicate that the physician will encounter bleeding tissue but this clearly states no bleeding. You might need to charge an E/M. Just my thoughts...