tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2004 Issue 7

3 Questions You Must Ask When Coding Decubitus Ulcers

Poor documentation could cost you $150 per debridementYou won't always use an excision code when reporting decubitus ulcer removals. Rather you should know the location and depth of the wound as well as whether the surgeon closed the wound. To make it easy on yourself ask these three questions: Question 1: Did the Surgeon Close the Wound?By answering this question you're attempting to narrow your code selection to either an excision or a debridement procedure.If the physician closes the wound you should report an excision (15920-15958). In this case the surgeon will clear the wound of infection...

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