Wiki To Bundle or Not to Bundle 27814 and 27610 that is the question

[Linda77]

I have a Dr. that would like to us CPT 27814 and 27610 when treating a bimalleolar Fx. The Dr. would like to justify 27610 because he removed a Hematoma from fracture sight before repairing the Fx. I have always thought that normally exploration is replaced by any actual repairs. I have not found any edits to disprove the uses of these 2 CPTs but I am a little uncomfortable since I am not sure removing a blood clot in the ankle Fx is cause for an exploration code.? Especially since this is an open procedure. Maybe 27603 with 27814? Any feedback would really be appreciated. Thanks

 

[CodingKing]

From the NCCI manual:

Exploration of the surgical field is a standard surgical practice. Physicians should not report a HCPCS/CPT code describing exploration of a surgical field with another HCPCS/CPT code describing a procedure in that surgical field. For example, CPT code 22830 describes exploration of a spinal fusion. CPT code 22830 should not be reported with another procedure of the spine in the same anatomic area. However, if the spinal fusion exploration is performed in a different anatomic area than another spinal procedure, CPT code 22830 may be reported separately with modifier 59.

 

[Linda77]

Thanks a million!