mindyanna
Networker
I need assistance on the following operative report. The physician wants to use code 27871 but I don't think his description of what he did fits that code. Here is that portion of the operative report:
"Attention was then given to the distal tibial/fibular joint. A 1.5-mm wire was inserted on the distal fibula and driven through the distal fibula and across the distal tibia and out the anteromedial surface of the distal tibia. The wire was withdrawn on the medial side until the lateral portion of the wire was flush with the lateral cortex of the distal fibula. At this point a small stab incision was created anteromedially and the wire was measured, over-drilled, and a 4.5-mm cortical screw was inserted through the distal tibia, into the distal fibula, completing the distal tibial/fibular joint fixation. This wound was closed with 3-0 Vicryl and 4-0 Monocryl."
In looking at the description of code 27871 in the Coders Desk Reference (it's the only book I have) it seems there is a lot more involved when doing a fusion. He is just temporarily fusing the bones together. What do you think? Would code 27829 better fit to what he did?
I would greatly appreciate anyone's insight and suggestions.
Thanks
"Attention was then given to the distal tibial/fibular joint. A 1.5-mm wire was inserted on the distal fibula and driven through the distal fibula and across the distal tibia and out the anteromedial surface of the distal tibia. The wire was withdrawn on the medial side until the lateral portion of the wire was flush with the lateral cortex of the distal fibula. At this point a small stab incision was created anteromedially and the wire was measured, over-drilled, and a 4.5-mm cortical screw was inserted through the distal tibia, into the distal fibula, completing the distal tibial/fibular joint fixation. This wound was closed with 3-0 Vicryl and 4-0 Monocryl."
In looking at the description of code 27871 in the Coders Desk Reference (it's the only book I have) it seems there is a lot more involved when doing a fusion. He is just temporarily fusing the bones together. What do you think? Would code 27829 better fit to what he did?
I would greatly appreciate anyone's insight and suggestions.
Thanks