AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2010 Quarter 3; ASK the EDITOR
Excision of Haglund's Deformity
A patient with right calcific Achilles tendinitis with pump bump deformity presents for debridement and excision of the pump bump (Haglund’s deformity). The patient was given a popliteal block and taken to the operating room. The right leg was prepped and draped in the usual manner and one gram of Ancef was given intravenously. Skin incision was made laterally over the lateral border of the Achilles tendon and dissection was carried posterior to the Achilles tendon. A large posterior calcaneal spur was found and it was excised. Flouroscopy was performed that showed that the spur was completely excised. Dissection was then carried anteriorly to the Achilles tendon. A large retrocalcaneal bursa was found and excised, as well as a large prominence of the posterior aspect of the calcaneus, which was also excised with an osteotome. The wound was then irrigated and dried and closed with 3-0 Vicryl and 4-0 nylon. What are the appropriate CPT code assignments for this procedure? ...
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Article Overview
This premium article explains a surgical scenario involving posterior heel deformity and associated Achilles-region findings, then asks which CPT code applies. It is intended for coders and billers who need to understand how the operative details relate to orthopedic coding choices for the foot and ankle. The article focuses on procedure documentation, anatomic considerations, and the CPT assignment question raised by the case.
Why This Topic Matters
Posterior heel surgery can involve overlapping structures and documentation details that affect CPT selection. Understanding the operative note helps coders recognize the service scope and assign the correct foot/ankle procedure code.
What You Will Learn
- How the operative scenario is structured for CPT review
- Which anatomic and procedural details are relevant to code selection
- How posterior heel surgery documentation is framed for coding purposes
- What information in the note supports the coding question
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Outpatient orthopedic billing staff
- Coding auditors
- Revenue cycle professionals
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