Help Coding Complications

Corie.elliott@rivhs.comCorie.elliott@rivhs.com
in Home Care Coding General
How do you code a complication of fracture site that had that required debridement? The physician peformed an incision and drainage at the site of fracture. Please help.

Comments

  • SusanWinokurSusanWinokur
    edited April 2017
    Could you please give us more details? Was this an open or closed fracture? How was it repaired? Was it a skin debridement or did they go into bone?

    Susan Winokur, HCS-D, BCHH-C | Southwest Medical
    Part of OptumCare
    Senior Medical Coder, Home Health

    8655 South Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89123 USA
    T    +1 702-838-0644
    Susan.Winokur@optum.com
    smalv.com
  • Corie.elliott@rivhs.comCorie.elliott@rivhs.com
    edited April 2017
    It was a closed fx. It was repaired with ORIF. Patient than had debridement of subcutaneous tissue, skin, and bone
  • SusanWinokurSusanWinokur
    edited April 2017
    We are not allowed to assume a relationship between the fracture repair and the infection - so if there is no documentation stating postop infection or infected hardware, I would code the fracture and the bone infection (osteomyelitis). If possible, query the physician for clarification.

    Susan Winokur, HCS-D, BCHH-C | Southwest Medical
    Part of OptumCare
    Senior Medical Coder, Home Health

    8655 South Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89123 USA
    T    +1 702-838-0644
    Susan.Winokur@optum.com
    smalv.com
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