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A patient has an incision and drainage of the left knee due to bursitis. The fluid is sent to pathology. What ICD-10-PCS code is assigned?

Answer :

The ICD-10-PCS code typically used for incision and drainage of the left knee due to bursitis, where the fluid is sent to pathology, could be 0S9C3ZZ if the percutaneous approach is used. Accurate coding depends on the specific details documented in the medical record and operative report.

The ICD-10-PCS (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System) code for incision and drainage of the bursa of the left knee when the fluid is sent to pathology would be specific to the approach, site, and intent of the procedure. As no specific details are provided in the question about the exact method of drainage or type of bursitis, a general code for this may be 0S9C3ZZ (Drainage of Left Knee Bursa and Ligament, Percutaneous Approach).

However, it's critical to note that coders should rely on the medical record and operative report to determine the exact procedure performed to ensure accurate coding. This is because different approaches (such as open, percutaneous, or percutaneous endoscopic) or specific sites within the knee may require different codes.