AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2013 Issue 1; Ask the Editor - ICD-9-CM Coding

Nonexcisional versus Excisional Debridement

In ICD-9-CM’s Volume 3, index revisions were made (FY 2012) and currently there are only two subentries, under debridement: excisional and nonexcisional. External auditors contend that the providers must now state “excisional debridement of bone, fascia or muscle,” otherwise code 86.28 is assigned. However, in order for the surgeon to get down into these areas, wouldn’t he or she need to excise/cut? The surgeons are frustrated with our queries and refuse to respond. When coding “excisional debridement” of bone, fascia or muscle is the provider required to document “excisional?” What code should we report for debridement performed on bone, muscle or fascia, if not specified as excisional?  ...

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