AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2012 Quarter 3; Ask the Editor
Failure of Apligraf Application
A patient who is status post Apligraf application is admitted for treatment after failure of the graft. Which is the correct complication code, 996.55 , Complication due to artificial skin graft or 996.52 , Complication due to graft of other tissue, NEC? Since Apligraf® is a “living cell” based product, it seems to fit the category of “other tissue” rather than “artificial skin.” ...
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Article Overview
This short coding article focuses on how a failed Apligraf application is classified for complication coding purposes. It is relevant to coders, billers, and compliance staff working with wound care and graft-related claims, and it centers on the distinction between broad complication categories and product type.
Why This Topic Matters
Choosing the appropriate complication category affects diagnosis coding accuracy and claim consistency for graft-related services. The article is useful when reviewing post-application complications involving biologic or tissue-based products.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames a failed Apligraf application within complication coding categories.
- Which broad complication grouping is discussed for this type of graft-related failure.
- How the article approaches the distinction between biologic tissue products and artificial skin categories.
- The general coding topic addressed for a post-application complication scenario.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Wound care coding staff
Codes Discussed
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