tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2000 Issue 5

Reader Question: Laceration With Small Foreign Body

Question: When there is a simple laceration and a small foreign body is removed, should the wound exploration code be used, or is that only for the operating room?Florida SubscriberAnswer: The wound exploration codes (20100-20103) may be used if a wound requires enlargement, extension or dissection to determine penetration, or allow debridement, removal of foreign bodies, ligation or coagulation of minor vessels of the subcutaneous tissues, muscle fascia and/or muscle (not requiring thoracotomy or laparotomy). If the simple laceration required extensive cleaning or removal of particulate matter, it may be considered an intermediate repair under CPT guidelines, instead...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert.

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