ICD V Codes For Postop Visit 1 Week after a Knee Replacement

[Cristal]

I think I want to use V43.65 for replacement of Joint-Knee for the secondary dx, but what is appropriate for the primary dx code? For Ortho do you always use an aftercare v code or is a follow-up code acceptable. I have read the guidelines on both and am still unsure what to use for the primary v code. During the global period does it matter which one you use?

I'm thinking 99024, V54.81, V43.65 Any feedback/suggestions?

 

[Carolyn Heath]

Looking at the guidelines for V Codes That May Only Be Principal/First-Listed Diagnosis, V43.65 and V54.81 cannot be used as a primary diagnosis codes, but they can be used as secondary diagnosis codes. You can find the listing on page 25 in the Coding Guidelines section in the 2013 ICD-9-CM book. What you put looks good to me so I am agreeing with you on how you should code this.

 

[Cristal]

Thank you for your reply. So-a primary dx code in this case isn't needed? If yes, what would you recommend for a primary dx code?

 

[joannesheehan]

I would use 99024 and because this is a follow-up post-surgical, I would use the reason for the hip replacement as primary, such as osteoarthritis and V43.65 as the secondary diagnosis. If, however there is a complication, I would indicate the complication first.
It is a code that is for reporting purposes with no reimbursement.