November 2002 page 10
Coding Consultation:Questions and Answers
Musculoskeletal System, 21470 (Q&A)
Question
If a physician performs an open reduction and internal fixation of the left mandibular angle fracture and the right mandibular body fracture, should code 21470 be reported one time or two times for this scenario?
AMA Comment
From a CPT coding perspective, CPT code 21470, Open treatment of complicated mandibular fracture by multiple surgical approaches including internal fixation, interdental fixation, and/or wiring of dentures or splints, is a unilateral procedure code. Therefore, if a bilateral procedure is performed, modifier '-50,' Bilateral procedure, should be...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article presents a short coding Q&A from CPT Assistant on musculoskeletal surgery topics. It is aimed at coders and billing professionals who need to understand what areas of CPT guidance were discussed in the source issue, including procedure reporting questions, laterality considerations, and related modifier use. The piece is useful for anyone reviewing historical CPT guidance in the musculoskeletal section and comparing coding inquiries across procedures.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers quickly determine whether the article contains musculoskeletal CPT guidance relevant to a specific coding question, especially when reviewing historical AMA commentary and related modifier usage.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers
A brief Q&A format covering musculoskeletal coding questions and AMA commentary from the November 2002 issue.
What You Will Learn
The general musculoskeletal topics addressed in the November 2002 CPT Assistant Q&A
How the article frames questions about surgical procedure reporting and related coding guidance
What types of CPT-related discussion are included for upper extremity and mandibular procedures
Where the article discusses laterality and modifier topics at a high level
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