AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2024 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Knee subchondroplasty with PRP and calcium phosphate injection

A patient with a trochlear cartilaginous defect and medial plica of the left knee, presented for subchondroplasty of the defect and plica excision. Following regional anesthesia, the surgeon established inferolateral and inferomedial portals, inspected the joint and found a grade 4 trochlear defect. All visible synovitic tissue was removed with a shaver and the medial plica was excised. Next, using fluoroscopy, the edematous region of the medial trochlea was identified. Then, a percutaneous incision was made over the medial knee with an 11 blade. A guide pin was drilled lateral to medial into the defective region into subchondral bone. Once in appropriate position 5cc of calcium phosphate and platelet rich plasma (PRP) were mixed and injected as one into the medial proximal tibial defect. The mixture was then allowed to set for 8 minutes. Final images demonstrated increased density in the medial tibia representing the injection, which was not intraarticular. All instruments were then removed, and the wounds were irrigated and closed in layers. When PRP and calcium phosphate are combined into one mixture and administered as one injection, it is appropriate to report both CPT category III codes 0707T and 0232T to represent the procedure more accurately? Can code 0707T be reported when no arthroscopic assistance was performed? How is this subchondroplasty reported? ...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to the AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS.

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.