Musculoskeletal, 20816 (Q&A) (October 1996)

October 1996 page 11 Coding Consultation Musculoskeletal, 20816 (Q&A) Question Should I use the replantation codes to report the replacement of a fingertip? AMA Comment Fingertip repair does not require all of the work involved in the replantation of a digit as described by code 20816 , Replantation, digit, excluding thumb (includes metacar-pophalangeal joint to insertion of flexor sublimis tendon), complete amputation . Replantation describes the complete reattachment of a digit and includes the repair of blood vessels, nerves, muscle, ligament, and tendon repair, as well as any other necessary bone repair. Replacing the tip of a digit does not...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article presents an AMA Coding Consultation Q&A from CPT® Assistant focused on musculoskeletal repair coding. It addresses a question about fingertip replacement in relation to digit replantation and discusses the general categories of procedures involved in repair work. The piece is useful for coding professionals who need to understand how this topic is framed within CPT guidance.

Why This Topic Matters

It helps coders and auditors identify the relevant CPT area for upper-extremity repair questions and understand the kind of procedure documentation discussed in the AMA commentary.

Article Sections

  1. October 1996 page 11

    Publication metadata and the Coding Consultation context for the Q&A. It situates the discussion within the musculoskeletal portion of CPT® Assistant.

  2. Question

    The user-submitted coding question regarding how to report a fingertip replacement procedure.

  3. AMA Comment

    The AMA response discussing the related procedural categories and the general distinction being addressed in the question.

What You Will Learn

  • The scope of a musculoskeletal CPT Q&A from CPT® Assistant
  • How the article frames a fingertip replacement coding question
  • The general procedural categories discussed in the AMA commentary
  • The publication context and date of the guidance

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Compliance staff
  • Physician office billing staff
  • Health information management professionals

Codes Discussed


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