07/08/2022

Correct Billing for I&D and Removal of a Foreign Object Embedded in Patient’s Foot

I had a patient today 6/29/22 with 2 foreign bodies in 2 separate spots in right heel;medially and centrally.Measurements:1 cm x 1 cm x 0.1 cm,0.3 x 0,3 cmx 0.1 cm.After local anesthetic,both were removed. No path report yet. How is this billed?

There are two procedure codes that would be appropriate for an incision & removal of a foreign object embedded in the patient’s foot:

• 10120 (Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple), or
• 10121 (Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; complicated)

Since two objects were removed, there should be two-line items of one of the two CPT codes listed above. The second line item should be appended with modifier -59 so it is not bundled.

Below are the diagnosis codes that would be appropriate- Note that all codes listed are not coded to the highest level of specificity and should be before billing the claim:

• M79.5-Residual foreign body in soft tissue
• S90.85(XX)-Superficial foreign body of foot
• S91.32(XX)-Laceration with foreign body of foot
• S91.34(XX)-Puncture wound with foreign body of foot