Problem:
Sharon Jones was in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a fracture of the ulna that required the placement of an external fixation device. Today, Dr. Bones is removing the external fixation device under anesthesia. Select the appropriate CPT code for the procedure. Step 1: In the index, locate main term removal, and under that locate sub external fixation system. Step 2: Even when only one code is listed, always turn to the tabular list and review the description of the code and re-review the case to assure accuracy. Step 3: The procedure was performed on the ulna; the human body has two ulnas. However, the documentation above does not indicate which ulna so a modifier for laterality cannot be appended. Do not assign a modifier for this case. Need Assignment Help?