AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2008 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 AND 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Breast Reconstruction
Effective October 1, 2008, a new subcategory 85.7, Total reconstruction of breast, has been created to identify recent advances in breast reconstructive surgery. Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous (LDM) flap (85.71)––In this technique, the latissimus dorsi (back muscle) and its overlying skin and fat are raised and transferred to the anterior chest wall. Due to size limitation, this technique is most commonly used in combination with an implant.. Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap––The TRAM procedure can be performed as either a pedicled flap (85.72) or...
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Article Overview
This article explains a breast reconstruction coding update effective October 1, 2008. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and clinical documentation reviewers who need to understand the scope of the new ICD-9-CM procedure code family for reconstructive breast surgery and the general categories of techniques it covers.
Why This Topic Matters
Breast reconstruction coding changed with new procedure classifications, and accurate understanding of the update helps support compliant reporting and documentation review for reconstructive surgery cases.
Article Sections
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Overview of the new subcategory
Introduces the revised procedure classification and the general purpose of the new breast reconstruction grouping.
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Reconstructive techniques described in the update
Summarizes the major flap-based reconstruction approaches discussed in the article and their broad relationship to the new code family.
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Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy
Covers the general topic of reconstruction performed at the time of mastectomy and the clinical context in which it is discussed.
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New code listings and exclusions
Presents the structure of the newly added procedure codes and related exclusion notes within the updated subcategory.
What You Will Learn
- How the breast reconstruction procedure category was updated
- Which broad reconstructive technique groups are included in the article
- How the article frames immediate reconstruction in relation to mastectomy
- How the new code family is organized at a high level
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
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