AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2013 Issue 1; Ask the Editor - ICD-9-CM Coding
Nonexcisional versus Excisional Debridement
In ICD-9-CM’s Volume 3, index revisions were made (FY 2012) and currently there are only two subentries, under debridement: excisional and nonexcisional. External auditors contend that the providers must now state “excisional debridement of bone, fascia or muscle,” otherwise code 86.28 is assigned. However, in order for the surgeon to get down into these areas, wouldn’t he or she need to excise/cut? The surgeons are frustrated with our queries and refuse to respond. When coding “excisional debridement” of bone, fascia or muscle is the provider required to document “excisional?” What code should we report for debridement performed on bone, muscle or fascia, if not specified as excisional? ...
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Article Overview
This article examines a debridement documentation and coding question in ICD-9-CM, with focus on the distinction between excisional and nonexcisional terminology after index revisions. It is intended for coders, auditors, CDI staff, and clinicians who need to understand how the article frames documentation expectations and the broader coding issue. The discussion centers on the topic of provider wording, audit concerns, and how the revision was intended to improve documentation clarity.
Why This Topic Matters
Documentation wording around debridement can affect coding accuracy, audit outcomes, and provider-query processes, so understanding the article’s scope helps readers assess whether they need the full guidance.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames ICD-9-CM debridement documentation issues
- Why audit interpretations and provider documentation wording are discussed
- What general documentation topic the article addresses after index revisions
- How the article approaches the distinction between debridement terminology categories
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Clinical documentation improvement (CDI) specialists
- Auditors
- Physicians and surgeons
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
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