Q: A physician performed a fusion at the first tarsometatarsal joint and an open reduction with internal fixation of the second TMT joint. Can I report both 28740 and 28615?
A: Yes, it would be appropriate to report both codes. They are being done at separate sites. The first procedure is a fusion at the first TMT and the second procedure is an ORIF of the second TMT.
Q: What CPT code would be appropriate for repair of an osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the talar dome using an allograft?
A: Unfortunately, there is not a CPT code that describes the procedure using allograft. The only option available is 28446 but that is with autograft so we cannot use it. This would be reported using an unlisted code (27899)
Q: If a surgeon does a reconstruction of both the anterior tibiofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament, would we report two units of ligament repair?
A: No, CPT 27698 includes the repair of both the ATFL and the CFL so you would only report the code once.
Mary Bort, CPC, CPMA, CANPC, CASCC, COSC
Consultant
During her free time, she loves to do crafts, enjoys the outdoors, and the Broncos! She has 4 daughters, and 10 grandchildren which light up her life.
When performing a total ankle arthroplasty, is it possible to code for a tibial prophylactic nail insertion due to poor bone quality? (27702, 27745)
Hi Lynn,
This one is tough to answer without seeing the documentation. Per the CCI edits, those two CPT codes do bundle however a modifier is allowed.
We recommend reviewing the documentation to make sure it supports it.
Very Good