Ernest Kelly, a 66-year-old male, injured his hand while working in his garden. His wife, Loraine, brought him to the ER. After an x-ray, Ernest was diagnosed with a carpometacarpal dislocation of the thumb. As Dr. McElroy began to manipulate the dislocation, Ernest became agitated and fearful. Loraine explained that her husband was diagnosed with dementia a year ago. Dr. McElroy believes general anesthesia would be appropriate for this procedure to ensure the patient's safety. What is the correct code to report for this procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Code 26641-23 is the correct choice because it represents the open treatment of carpometacarpal dislocation with general anesthesia due to patient's advanced age and dementia. The -23 modifier indicates that the anesthesia service is clinically necessary but distinct or independent from the procedure.

Ernest Kelly, a 66-Year-Old Male, Injured His Hand While Working