tci Part B Insider - 2009 Issue 36

READER QUESTION: Note Length of Wound Before You Report a Laceration Closure Code

Plus: Make sure you report the appropriate wound code to represent the patient's diagnosis. Question: An established patient reported to our practice with a cut in the vestibule of the mouth; it was bleeding moderately. The patient reported that he bit down on a lobster shell by mistake and cut the roof of his mouth. After stopping the bleeding, the physician irrigated the area to ensure there was no debris. Then, she used sutures to close a 2.2 cm wound. Notes indicated a level-three E/M preceded the repair. I reported 40831 and received a denial. What happened? Answer:...

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