AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2026 Quarter 3; Ask the Editor

Application and Removal of External Fixation

During an open reduction and internal fixation of a navicular fracture, the navicular bone could not be maintained in reduction due to severe midfoot ligamentous instability. To assist with reduction, the surgeon applied a multiplanar, entirely foot based external fixator using a transcalcaneal pin and metatarsal pins. The external fixator was used to restore length and maintain alignment while the navicular was reduced and temporarily stabilized with K-wires. Definitive internal fixation was then achieved with a plate spanning the medial column. Once stable fixation was confirmed, the K-wires and external fixator were removed prior to the conclusion of the same operative session.  Are the placement and removal of an external fixator separately reportable when the device is used intraoperatively to assist with fracture reduction and is removed before the end of the same operative session? ...

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