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Coder-To-Coder Forum
Started by l.a.coder at 12-19-2005 7:54 PM. Topic has 3 replies.
  
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 12-19-2005, 7:54 PM
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l.a.coder
Joined on 12-15-2005
Posts 20
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Articular Cartilage Defects
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On arthroscopic knee surgery op reports, I frequently run into the term articular cartilage defect. The surgeon is debriding these defects in the medial, lateral or patell-femoral compartments. It is generally accompanied by the size of the defect and the grade level. Is this considered chondromalacia in all circumstances? I generally code it as such if the patient has been given that diagnosis previously and it falls into one of the compartments being debrided. When I'm unable to confirm chondromalacia I've been using 718.86. I'd appreciate some opinions on this question.
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12-25-2005, 3:50 PM
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skygazer1016
Joined on 12-05-2005
Central Fla
Posts 58
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Re: Articular Cartilage Defects
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I code 717.9 for these, unspecified internal derangement of the
knee. (I go to cartilage disorder, knee). I checked this
one out with an orthopedic surgeon I know stays on top of coding issues
and that's what he uses too. Hope that helps!
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12-27-2005, 8:40 PM
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l.a.coder
Joined on 12-15-2005
Posts 20
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Re: Articular Cartilage Defects
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Thanks for the response. I've used that code also. Sure wish the surgeons would be more specific when diagnosing these particular problems.
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12-28-2005, 6:55 PM
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skygazer1016
Joined on 12-05-2005
Central Fla
Posts 58
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Re: Articular Cartilage Defects
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Yup, I know what you mean- I think part of the problem is also that I
have docs (like the one I mentioned above) that are very good at
documenting the specific info, there just aren't specific enough codes
for it. Either way, I'll take knees over shoulders anyday :D.
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