Knee bursa procedure - diagnostic vs no qualifier

jmccorkl@stanfordhealthcare.orgjmccorkl@stanfordhealthcare.org
in Clinical & Coding

I have seen this twice in the last week and I am puzzled!

PDx; Septic Bursitis - Knee

Incision & Drainage of knee bursa, no qualifier (no cultures) is an OR procedure – DRG to 501 … with diagnostic qualifier (specimens sent) is not an OR procedure – DRG stays 558

Excisional debridement of knee bursa, no qualifier,  is an OR procedure – DRG to 501 … with diagnostic qualifier, is not an OR procedure – DRG stays 558

I don't understand why would it change only if not diagnostic.  The pt experience & recovery are the same?  Does anyone have any insight on this?  Am I doing something wrong?

Tagged:
Sign In or Register to comment.