Wiki Splinter removed from thumb

[jamiejohnson63@earthlink.net]

What procedure code and diagnosis code would you use to remove a foreign body from a patient's thumb.

 

[jromeyn]

Just the EM with a superficial foreign body DX code.

 

[BenCrocker]

I'm new at this but...

What procedure code and diagnosis code would you use to remove a foreign body from a patient's thumb.

CPT Code: 10120 (I looked it back up to verify. I went too extreme and went to musculature surgery)
ICD-9 Code: 919.6
ICD-10 Code: S60.351 for right thumb, S60.352 for left thumb, S60.359 for unspecified thumb.

 

[jromeyn]

You would only use a procedure code if the physician had to use a needle to remove the splinter. In that case you would use 10120. If no needle was used it is included in the EM.

 

[jamiejohnson63@earthlink.net]

Thanks for your help.

 

[Akulo]

I think an actual incision/cut has to be made to use 10120. I would think poking a splinter out with a needle would not be considered an incision?

 

[BenCrocker]

So you're saying it should be coded with: 10021-FA or F5? instead?