AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2014 Issue 4; Ask the Editor

Bilateral Lengthening of Growing Rods

The patient is an 11-year-old male with neuromuscular thoracolumbar scoliosis, who is status post insertion of growing rods. He had previously undergone lengthening of the growing rods on two occasions, and now presents for bilateral open lengthening of the growing rods. The surgeon loosened the set screws and using a rod holder and distractor, both sides of the thoracic spine were lengthened approximately 1 cm.  We are considering several possibilities for the principal diagnosis code: Z45.89, Encounter for adjustment and management of other implanted devices; Z47.82, Encounter for orthopedic aftercare following scoliosis surgery; and Z46.89, Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other specified devices. What are the appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes?  ...

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