tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2003 Issue 10

Reader Question: Include Vessel Repair in Closure Services

Question: I am having difficulty determining whether this physician's note documents an artery repair or simply a layered closure: "There did appear to be one superficial arterial bleeder present that was ligated with a figure-of-eight  stitch with #4-0 vicryl. Two sutures were required for this. The skin was closed with #4-0 nylon, and three sutures were placed." Which code should I use?      Washington Subscriber Answer: While this documentation states that the physician closed both the artery and the skin, unfortunately you can't report an artery repair in addition to the skin repair...

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