Coding Guidelines

Question 1

And

Answer 1

When “and” is used is is meant to mean and/or.

Ex: lower arm and wrist means lower arm and/or wrist muscle

Question 2

Bypass procedures

Answer 2

Coded by identifying the body part bypassed “from” (4th character) and the body part bypassed “to” (7th character).

Question 3

Coronary bypass

Answer 3

Coronary arteries are coded based on number of sites treated

Coronary artery bypasses are coded by identifying the number or coronary artery sites bypassed to, and the qualified specifies the vessel bypassed from

Question 4

Autograft

Answer 4

If obtained from a different body part in order to complete the procedure it is coded

Question 5

Joint fusion

Answer 5

For multiple joints fused use a separate procedure is coded for each vertebral joint that uses a different device and/or qualifier

Question 6

Coding embolization procedure

Answer 6

Code based on objective:

Occlusion: completely close a vessel

Restriction: narrow the lumen of the vessel

Question 7

Release

Answer 7

Body part value coded is the body part being freed not the tissue being manipulated

Question 8

Reduction of displaced fracture

Answer 8

Coded to root operation reposition

Cast is not coded separately

Question 9

Transplantation vs administration

Answer 9

Transplantation: putting in a mature and functioning living body part taken from individual/animal coded to transplantation

Administration: putting in autologous or nonautologous cells ex bone marrow

Question 10

Body part coding

Answer 10

If one does not have its own value code to the closest proximal branch that has a specific body part value

Question 11

If a procedure is performed on the skin/subq/fascia overlying a joint code to the following body parts

Answer 11

Shoulder is coded to upper arm
Elbow is coded to lower arm
Wrist is coded lower arm
Hip is coded to upper leg
Knee is coded to lower leg
Ankle is coded to foot

Question 12

Open approach with percutaneous endoscopic assistance

Answer 12

Code to approach open