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ICD10 J section code also note

At the beginning of the J section in the ICD10-CM book, there is a note to code also, "Where applicable" the smoking status of a patient. I would like to know if anyone has a coding clinic answer as to whether this "where applicable" pertains to where the code also is noted in the tabular or if it pertains to where a smoking status is noted in a record? How are those in the ENT field interpreting this if there isn’t an available coding clinic answer?

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

op note need opinions please

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: 1. Significantly enlarged torus mandibularis of
the bilateral mandible.
2. Compression of salivary outflow.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: 1. Significantly enlarged torus mandibularis of
the bilateral mandible.
2. Compression salivary outflow.
3. Significant floor of mouth edema
postoperatively.
PROCEDURES PERFORMED: 1. Submucous resection of osseous, benign oral
cavity lesion, greater than 5 cm bilaterally.
2. Placement of bolster on the left.
.
COMPLICATIONS: The surgery went as planned submucous
resection of the osseous lesions was conducted. Unfortunately after the conclusion of the case, the
patient was noted to have significant postoperative swelling of floor of mouth, such that it was felt unsafe
to extubate the nasotracheal tube. The decision was made to do a direct doctor to doctor transfer to the
surgical ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. This was performed and the patient was taken
under the care of Dr. Wright and his team. The plan will be to have the patient monitored, diuresed and
treated with high-dose steroids to get the swelling to subside prior to control the extubation. This would be
anticipated to occur within the next 24 to 48 hours. The plan of care was addressed with the patient’s
family and their consent was given to proceed forward. I was participatory and present for this entire
process.

INDICATION FOR PROCEDURE: Janet is a pleasant 80-year-old white female with history of
extremely large torus mandibulari of the bilateral mandible. These have grown to an extent that they are
causing compression on the floor of the mouth structures and salivary outflow tracts and also becoming
extremely uncomfortable to her. Her voice is changing. Her airway has been stable. After discussing
various options and obtaining CT imaging, the decision was made in conjunction with the patient’s wishes
to proceed forward with the surgical debulking via transoral submucous route. The risks of the procedure
discussed did include bleeding, floor of the mouth hematoma, infection, damage to the salivary ducts or
glands, damage to the lingual nerve, taste change, difficulty moving the tongue, change in the ability to
swallow, aspiration, pneumonia, swelling, airway compromise. Understanding these risks, Janet did wish
to proceed forward.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: The patient was identified in the holding area. All consents and
paper work were up-to-date and complete. She was wheeled to the operative suite in stable condition. A
nasotracheal intubation was conducted without incident. The head of bed was rotated 90 degrees. A full
time-out was taken. The oral cavity was exposed using a Smiley mouthgag. A single silk stitch was
placed through the midline at the tip of the tongue in the raphe and secured to pull the tongue out of the
way of the surgery and prevent trauma from drilling. Starting on the right and then proceeding to the left,
mucosal incisions were made with a Colorado needle tip Bovie taking care to preserve this mucosa to the
greatest extent possible. Mucosa flaps were elevated, exposing the extremely large tori bilaterally. It
turned out that these were actually multifocal lesions. There was two on the right and three on the left.
The posterior most lesions were extremely large. At this point, the microscope was brought into the field
and using various cutting and diamond burs, the tori were dissected from an inside out fashion. The tori on
the right especially had developed a form of soft tissue. I suspect this was a narrowest space. As the
soft tissue was taken, biopsied and sent across the street to the histopathology lab at St Joseph Hospital
and Medical Center. Hemostasis was excellent. The entirety of the tori visible was removed. Great care
was taken not to violate the dental roots or the overlying mucosa. When the tori were removed, the
mucosa was re-approximated with simple interrupted stitches in a semi-watertight fashion. Decision to
place a bolster was made. This was done on the left side, secured with silk stitches, sutured around the
mandibular molars. At this point in the case, we were preparing to wrap up and extubate the patient on
one final inspection and with plans to suction the oropharynx and esophagus, it was noted that the patient
had significant floor of mouth edema that had erupted after removal of these tori. We thought by myself,
the attending surgeon that the chronic compression of the tori on the soft tissues of the floor of mouth had
allowed for fresh third spacing edema phenomenon to occur once they were removed. This was
exaggerated enough that given the patient’s advanced age and history of atrial fibrillation, we did not want
to take a chance of potentially losing an airway. The decision was made at this point by myself and in
conjunction after full discussion and disclosure with the family to transfer across the street at St. Joseph’s
Hospital and Medical Center via ambulance to the surgical ICU. A doctor to doctor conversation was
conducted between myself and Dr. Wright, who was the accepting physician. Plan of care will be to have
Janet diuresed, treated with high-dose steroids and H2 blockers to see if we can get this edema to subside

in lieu of a planned and controlled extubation. I was scrubbed and participatory and present for this entire
process and the procedure.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

need opinion on op note

hi,

would you code the fulgration of the endometrial implants and if so what code would you use. ive highlighted in red. thanks

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Endometrial polyp.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: Lower segment endocervical polyp and cervical
endometriosis.
PROCEDURES PERFORMED: 1. Operative hysteroscopy with polypectomy
and endometrial biopsy.
2. Fulguration of cervical endometriosis
implants.

OPERATIVE FINDINGS: Exam under anesthesia revealed the uterus is in slightly mid to retroverted
position, deviated to right and normal size, shape, movable and regular. Right adnexa was free and the left
adnexa was free. There was some thickening noted in the posterior left cul-de-sac.
On visualization of the uterine and endometrial cavity, both tubal ostia were visualized and appeared
normal, and the endometrial cavity appeared normal. There was a small area of polypoid area noted in the
lower uterine segment and a pedunculated polyp was noted in the upper endocervical canal. Rest of the
endometrial cavity appeared normal.

There was superficial endometriosis implants noted on the portio of the cervix at 3 o’clock and from 10 to
1 o’clock position and then at 6 o’clock position.
OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: After the patient had general anesthesia induced by LMA, she was
placed in modified lithotomy position using Smith-Allen stirrups to avoid any pressure points. The
perineum and vagina were prepped and a Foley catheter was placed after usual sterile prepping and
draping and bimanual exam revealed the findings as mentioned above.
Then, the surgeon proceeded with the procedure.

A bivalved open-ended speculum was positioned. The cervix was held with a tenaculum clamp. We
attempted to pass a small Hanks dilator. There was some resistance noted in the endocervical canal, so in
order to avoid creation of a false passage, I used a diagnostic hysteroscope and used Smith & Nephew
Medtronic fluid management system and normal saline to distend the endometrial cavity. So using the
diagnostic hysteroscope, hysteroscopy procedure was carried out and the internal os location was noted.
Under direct vision, the hysteroscope was advanced into the endometrial cavity. The findings were as
mentioned above. At this stage, diagnostic hysteroscope was removed and the cervix dilated with Hanks
dilator to #14. Then, we used a Gynecare SlimLine operative hysteroscope and normal saline for
distention medium, the hysteroscopy procedure was carried out. Using a hysteroscope for this, the polyp
in the endocervical canal was excised and the polypoid area in the lower uterine posterior segment was
excised. These specimens were collected. All the fluids used during hysteroscopy were accounted for.
There was no active bleeding observed. We used 1220 cc of normal saline and then 620 cc was suctioned
out. There was a deficit of 600 cc.
Following the hysteroscopy procedure using a small curette, endometrial biopsy was obtained.
Using a monopolar Bovie with a coagulation current at 20 to 30 watts and using the needle tip Bovie, the
endometriosis implants and the portio of the cervix were fulgurated
. Blood loss during the procedure was
5 cc and clear urine was noted in the Foley bag. The urine output was 600 cc. Specimen consisted of
endocervical polyp and endometrial biopsy. The patient tolerated the procedure well and transferred to the
recovery room in good condition.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

op note need opinions please

hi, can i get some opinions on what you all would code from this? would you code for a removal and reimplantation of the spinal stimulator device or would this be included in flap reconstruction. ive posted this in the plastics and outpatient facility. not having any luck so thought i would post her since this is general surgery maybe someone can give an opinion… thanks

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Posterior cervical pain stimulator device wound
recurrent.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Posterior cervical pain stimulator device wound
recurrent.
PROCEDURE PERFORMED: 1. Excision of open posterior cervical wound
12cm2.
2. Removal and reimplantation of spinal
stimulator device.
3. LEFT lateral neck fasciocutaneous tissue
composite reconstruction 20 cm2.
4. RIGHT lateral neck fasciocutaneous tissue
composite reconstruction 20 cm2.
5. 8 cm complex closure of open wound of
neck.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: After the patient was brought to the operating room and
carefully positioned on the operating table and safely and effectively secured to the table and padded in all
areas to avoid any injury to them the patient was then safely and effectively anesthetized. Patient was
kept warm throughout the procedure and monitored carefully as well by the anesthesiologist.
The patient was positioned with the LEFT side up and the RIGHT side down and secured to the table
safely.
The operative areas were then prepared with antiseptic thoroughly and draped sterilely.
The operative areas were then carefully injected with 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine for intraoperative
hemostasis and postoperative pain control as well.
This open wound of the midline posterior cervical soft tissue was excised with a very small 0.5 cm3
abscess in an extramarginal fashion approximately 12 cm2 removing all the inflammatory exudate of the
skin and subcutaneous tissue superficial and deep fascia, muscle and the devascularized soft tissue in this
area utilizing sharp instruments including scalpel, sharp curettage, scissors, cautery and double action sharp
rongeurs and then widely and copiously irrigating this with Betadine throughout the excision in preparation
for soft tissue reconstruction. In doing so a secondary defect was created in addition to the primary defect
created by the excision of the wound to allow local transposition of soft tissue in a favorable way for
reconstruction of the wound to minimize the contour defect and the deformity and distracting nature of the
defect as well as optimizing the vascular inflow and venous drainage to the soft tissue ultimately used for
reconstruction. No abscess was seen. The eschar was removed in its entirety. With careful dissection this
stimulator paddle approximate 4 cm long was then withdrawn from its long narrow pathway into which
there was this inflammatory material that appeared to be the nidus of infection. This entire tract was then
extirpated of its soft tissue inflammatory element back to well vascularized uninjured tissue. This track
was then irrigated with Betadine and packed with vancomycin. The paddle itself and the base of the wire
were irrigated copiously with I3etadine throughout the procedure to sterilize this as well. There are other
small elements of wire that did not appear to be involved in this infectious process as most of the coil the
wire well incorporated of the scar over time. The tissue removed from the depth of this wound was then
sent to the laboratory for quantitative culture and sensitivity. I inquired whether the patient had any
ALLERGY to vancotnycin and no allergy is known or documented by the family or patient to this

medication. The wound was then also treated internally with lyophilized vancomycin powder placed into
the depths of the wound on all surfaces for ftjrther antisepsis locally in the deep tissue planes prior to
closure of the wound.
An extensive remobilization re-elevation and further transposition of a fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite was then elevated on the LEFT lateral aspect of the neck which included dissection and
counter incisions of the deep fascia extensively 20 cm2 including detachment of the fascia and skin from
its origin and inserted deep structures and portions of the proximal and distal elements of the musculature.
This flap is a Type V classification flap. This allowed the tissue composite flap to be advanced, transposed
and rotated 20 cm2 with preservation and respect of the flap’s axial based upon the posterior cervical
artery and vein perforating vessels and secondary perforating blood supply after identifying and avoiding
the ingress and egress posterior cervical artery and vein perforating vessels throughout the dissection. No
innervation was identified or was relevant to this tissue advancement as a neurotized flap was not
indicated for the reconstruction however the motor nerves to the musculature itself were preserved. The
overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue was preserved with its cutaneous vascular perforators from the
fascial portion of this advancement flap tissue composite to create the fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite for reconstruction of this open wound. This mass of the tissue composite flap and overlying soft
tissue was mobilized and transposed 20cm2 to obliterate the deep space created by the open wound and
the underlying strucfttres which required well vascularized soft tissue coverage for ultimate reconstruction
and healing of this complicated deep wound. This soft tissue composite flap was then inset within its arc of
rotation.
An extensive remobilization re-elevation and further transposition of a fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite was then elevated on the RIGHT lateral aspect of the neck which included dissection and
counter incisions of the deep fascia extensively 20 cm2 including detachment of the fascia and skin from
its origin and inserted deep structures and portions of the proximal and distal elements of the musculature.
This flap is a Type classification flap. This allowed the tissue composite flap to be advanced, transposed
and rotated 20cm2 with preservation and respect of the flap’s axial based upon the posterior cervical
artery and vein perforating vessels and secondary perforating blood supply after idenri1’ing and avoiding
the ingress and egress posterior cervical artery and vein perforating vessels throughout the dissection. No
innervation was identified or was relevant to this tissue advancement as a neurotized flap was not
indicated for the reconstruction however the motor nerves to the musculature itself were preserved. The
overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue was preserved with its cutaneous vascular perforators from the
fascial portion of this advancement flap tissue composite to create the fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite for reconstruction of this open wound. This mass of the tissue composite flap and overlying soft
tissue was mobilized and transposed 20 cm2 to obliterate the deep space created by the open wound and
the underlying structures which required well vascularized soft tissue coverage for ultimate reconstruction
and healing ofthis complicated deep wound. This soft tissue composite flap was then inset within its arc of
rotation.

The 2 separate 20 cm2 tissue composites were then transposed 20 cm2 and imbricated across the midline
of the open wound of the posterior cervical wound 12 cm2 closing the primary and secondary defects
created by the original wound and the mobilization and transpositions utilizing 2-0 Monocryl plus inverted
simple suture materiai every 2-3 mm for a watertight well vascularized soft tissue closure overlying the
deep tissues creating an accurately reconstructed tensionless closure over the posterior cervical wound.
The wound was then closed further at the more superficial elements approximately 8 cm using a complex
multilayer running 4-0 nylon to the skin followed and interposed by 4-0 nylon wider longer simple suture
material for further security the closure of the wound every 4mm.
The wound was then sealed with dermal glue and Steri-Strips.
The patient did well and was brought to the recovery area in good condition having tolerated procedure
well. No complications occurred during or after the operation. The patient was stable in the PACU.
All postoperative orders are written extensively for the patient for their immediate and long-term care.
I spoke with her mother in detail postoperatively and she was very happy with her care.
Prescriptions, postoperative orders, care instructions and follow-up appointment had already been given to
the patient previously. She did very well the recovery area. She is happy with her care. Were delighted to
help her today.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

op note need opinions please

hi, can i get some opinions on what you all would code from this? would you code for a removal and reimplantation of the spinal stimulator device or would this be included in flap reconstruction.

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Posterior cervical pain stimulator device wound
recurrent.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Posterior cervical pain stimulator device wound
recurrent.
PROCEDURE PERFORMED: 1. Excision of open posterior cervical wound
12cm2.
2. Removal and reimplantation of spinal
stimulator device.
3. LEFT lateral neck fasciocutaneous tissue
composite reconstruction 20 cm2.
4. RIGHT lateral neck fasciocutaneous tissue
composite reconstruction 20 cm2.
5. 8 cm complex closure of open wound of
neck.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: After the patient was brought to the operating room and
carefully positioned on the operating table and safely and effectively secured to the table and padded in all
areas to avoid any injury to them the patient was then safely and effectively anesthetized. Patient was
kept warm throughout the procedure and monitored carefully as well by the anesthesiologist.
The patient was positioned with the LEFT side up and the RIGHT side down and secured to the table
safely.
The operative areas were then prepared with antiseptic thoroughly and draped sterilely.
The operative areas were then carefully injected with 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine for intraoperative
hemostasis and postoperative pain control as well.
This open wound of the midline posterior cervical soft tissue was excised with a very small 0.5 cm3
abscess in an extramarginal fashion approximately 12 cm2 removing all the inflammatory exudate of the
skin and subcutaneous tissue superficial and deep fascia, muscle and the devascularized soft tissue in this
area utilizing sharp instruments including scalpel, sharp curettage, scissors, cautery and double action sharp
rongeurs and then widely and copiously irrigating this with Betadine throughout the excision in preparation
for soft tissue reconstruction. In doing so a secondary defect was created in addition to the primary defect
created by the excision of the wound to allow local transposition of soft tissue in a favorable way for
reconstruction of the wound to minimize the contour defect and the deformity and distracting nature of the
defect as well as optimizing the vascular inflow and venous drainage to the soft tissue ultimately used for
reconstruction. No abscess was seen. The eschar was removed in its entirety. With careful dissection this
stimulator paddle approximate 4 cm long was then withdrawn from its long narrow pathway into which
there was this inflammatory material that appeared to be the nidus of infection. This entire tract was then
extirpated of its soft tissue inflammatory element back to well vascularized uninjured tissue. This track
was then irrigated with Betadine and packed with vancomycin. The paddle itself and the base of the wire
were irrigated copiously with I3etadine throughout the procedure to sterilize this as well. There are other
small elements of wire that did not appear to be involved in this infectious process as most of the coil the
wire well incorporated of the scar over time. The tissue removed from the depth of this wound was then
sent to the laboratory for quantitative culture and sensitivity. I inquired whether the patient had any
ALLERGY to vancotnycin and no allergy is known or documented by the family or patient to this

medication. The wound was then also treated internally with lyophilized vancomycin powder placed into
the depths of the wound on all surfaces for ftjrther antisepsis locally in the deep tissue planes prior to
closure of the wound.
An extensive remobilization re-elevation and further transposition of a fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite was then elevated on the LEFT lateral aspect of the neck which included dissection and
counter incisions of the deep fascia extensively 20 cm2 including detachment of the fascia and skin from
its origin and inserted deep structures and portions of the proximal and distal elements of the musculature.
This flap is a Type V classification flap. This allowed the tissue composite flap to be advanced, transposed
and rotated 20 cm2 with preservation and respect of the flap’s axial based upon the posterior cervical
artery and vein perforating vessels and secondary perforating blood supply after identifying and avoiding
the ingress and egress posterior cervical artery and vein perforating vessels throughout the dissection. No
innervation was identified or was relevant to this tissue advancement as a neurotized flap was not
indicated for the reconstruction however the motor nerves to the musculature itself were preserved. The
overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue was preserved with its cutaneous vascular perforators from the
fascial portion of this advancement flap tissue composite to create the fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite for reconstruction of this open wound. This mass of the tissue composite flap and overlying soft
tissue was mobilized and transposed 20cm2 to obliterate the deep space created by the open wound and
the underlying strucfttres which required well vascularized soft tissue coverage for ultimate reconstruction
and healing of this complicated deep wound. This soft tissue composite flap was then inset within its arc of
rotation.
An extensive remobilization re-elevation and further transposition of a fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite was then elevated on the RIGHT lateral aspect of the neck which included dissection and
counter incisions of the deep fascia extensively 20 cm2 including detachment of the fascia and skin from
its origin and inserted deep structures and portions of the proximal and distal elements of the musculature.
This flap is a Type classification flap. This allowed the tissue composite flap to be advanced, transposed
and rotated 20cm2 with preservation and respect of the flap’s axial based upon the posterior cervical
artery and vein perforating vessels and secondary perforating blood supply after idenri1’ing and avoiding
the ingress and egress posterior cervical artery and vein perforating vessels throughout the dissection. No
innervation was identified or was relevant to this tissue advancement as a neurotized flap was not
indicated for the reconstruction however the motor nerves to the musculature itself were preserved. The
overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue was preserved with its cutaneous vascular perforators from the
fascial portion of this advancement flap tissue composite to create the fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite for reconstruction of this open wound. This mass of the tissue composite flap and overlying soft
tissue was mobilized and transposed 20 cm2 to obliterate the deep space created by the open wound and
the underlying structures which required well vascularized soft tissue coverage for ultimate reconstruction
and healing ofthis complicated deep wound. This soft tissue composite flap was then inset within its arc of
rotation.

The 2 separate 20 cm2 tissue composites were then transposed 20 cm2 and imbricated across the midline
of the open wound of the posterior cervical wound 12 cm2 closing the primary and secondary defects
created by the original wound and the mobilization and transpositions utilizing 2-0 Monocryl plus inverted
simple suture materiai every 2-3 mm for a watertight well vascularized soft tissue closure overlying the
deep tissues creating an accurately reconstructed tensionless closure over the posterior cervical wound.
The wound was then closed further at the more superficial elements approximately 8 cm using a complex
multilayer running 4-0 nylon to the skin followed and interposed by 4-0 nylon wider longer simple suture
material for further security the closure of the wound every 4mm.
The wound was then sealed with dermal glue and Steri-Strips.
The patient did well and was brought to the recovery area in good condition having tolerated procedure
well. No complications occurred during or after the operation. The patient was stable in the PACU.
All postoperative orders are written extensively for the patient for their immediate and long-term care.
I spoke with her mother in detail postoperatively and she was very happy with her care.
Prescriptions, postoperative orders, care instructions and follow-up appointment had already been given to
the patient previously. She did very well the recovery area. She is happy with her care. Were delighted to
help her today.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

op note need opinions please

hi, can i get some opinions on what you all would code from this? would you code for a removal and reimplantation of the spinal stimulator device or would this be included in flap reconstruction.

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Posterior cervical pain stimulator device wound
recurrent.
POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Posterior cervical pain stimulator device wound
recurrent.
PROCEDURE PERFORMED: 1. Excision of open posterior cervical wound
12cm2.
2. Removal and reimplantation of spinal
stimulator device.
3. LEFT lateral neck fasciocutaneous tissue
composite reconstruction 20 cm2.
4. RIGHT lateral neck fasciocutaneous tissue
composite reconstruction 20 cm2.
5. 8 cm complex closure of open wound of
neck.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: After the patient was brought to the operating room and
carefully positioned on the operating table and safely and effectively secured to the table and padded in all
areas to avoid any injury to them the patient was then safely and effectively anesthetized. Patient was
kept warm throughout the procedure and monitored carefully as well by the anesthesiologist.
The patient was positioned with the LEFT side up and the RIGHT side down and secured to the table
safely.
The operative areas were then prepared with antiseptic thoroughly and draped sterilely.
The operative areas were then carefully injected with 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine for intraoperative
hemostasis and postoperative pain control as well.
This open wound of the midline posterior cervical soft tissue was excised with a very small 0.5 cm3
abscess in an extramarginal fashion approximately 12 cm2 removing all the inflammatory exudate of the
skin and subcutaneous tissue superficial and deep fascia, muscle and the devascularized soft tissue in this
area utilizing sharp instruments including scalpel, sharp curettage, scissors, cautery and double action sharp
rongeurs and then widely and copiously irrigating this with Betadine throughout the excision in preparation
for soft tissue reconstruction. In doing so a secondary defect was created in addition to the primary defect
created by the excision of the wound to allow local transposition of soft tissue in a favorable way for
reconstruction of the wound to minimize the contour defect and the deformity and distracting nature of the
defect as well as optimizing the vascular inflow and venous drainage to the soft tissue ultimately used for
reconstruction. No abscess was seen. The eschar was removed in its entirety. With careful dissection this
stimulator paddle approximate 4 cm long was then withdrawn from its long narrow pathway into which
there was this inflammatory material that appeared to be the nidus of infection. This entire tract was then
extirpated of its soft tissue inflammatory element back to well vascularized uninjured tissue. This track
was then irrigated with Betadine and packed with vancomycin. The paddle itself and the base of the wire
were irrigated copiously with I3etadine throughout the procedure to sterilize this as well. There are other
small elements of wire that did not appear to be involved in this infectious process as most of the coil the
wire well incorporated of the scar over time. The tissue removed from the depth of this wound was then
sent to the laboratory for quantitative culture and sensitivity. I inquired whether the patient had any
ALLERGY to vancotnycin and no allergy is known or documented by the family or patient to this

medication. The wound was then also treated internally with lyophilized vancomycin powder placed into
the depths of the wound on all surfaces for ftjrther antisepsis locally in the deep tissue planes prior to
closure of the wound.
An extensive remobilization re-elevation and further transposition of a fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite was then elevated on the LEFT lateral aspect of the neck which included dissection and
counter incisions of the deep fascia extensively 20 cm2 including detachment of the fascia and skin from
its origin and inserted deep structures and portions of the proximal and distal elements of the musculature.
This flap is a Type V classification flap. This allowed the tissue composite flap to be advanced, transposed
and rotated 20 cm2 with preservation and respect of the flap’s axial based upon the posterior cervical
artery and vein perforating vessels and secondary perforating blood supply after identifying and avoiding
the ingress and egress posterior cervical artery and vein perforating vessels throughout the dissection. No
innervation was identified or was relevant to this tissue advancement as a neurotized flap was not
indicated for the reconstruction however the motor nerves to the musculature itself were preserved. The
overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue was preserved with its cutaneous vascular perforators from the
fascial portion of this advancement flap tissue composite to create the fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite for reconstruction of this open wound. This mass of the tissue composite flap and overlying soft
tissue was mobilized and transposed 20cm2 to obliterate the deep space created by the open wound and
the underlying strucfttres which required well vascularized soft tissue coverage for ultimate reconstruction
and healing of this complicated deep wound. This soft tissue composite flap was then inset within its arc of
rotation.
An extensive remobilization re-elevation and further transposition of a fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite was then elevated on the RIGHT lateral aspect of the neck which included dissection and
counter incisions of the deep fascia extensively 20 cm2 including detachment of the fascia and skin from
its origin and inserted deep structures and portions of the proximal and distal elements of the musculature.
This flap is a Type classification flap. This allowed the tissue composite flap to be advanced, transposed
and rotated 20cm2 with preservation and respect of the flap’s axial based upon the posterior cervical
artery and vein perforating vessels and secondary perforating blood supply after idenri1’ing and avoiding
the ingress and egress posterior cervical artery and vein perforating vessels throughout the dissection. No
innervation was identified or was relevant to this tissue advancement as a neurotized flap was not
indicated for the reconstruction however the motor nerves to the musculature itself were preserved. The
overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue was preserved with its cutaneous vascular perforators from the
fascial portion of this advancement flap tissue composite to create the fasciocutaneous flap tissue
composite for reconstruction of this open wound. This mass of the tissue composite flap and overlying soft
tissue was mobilized and transposed 20 cm2 to obliterate the deep space created by the open wound and
the underlying structures which required well vascularized soft tissue coverage for ultimate reconstruction
and healing ofthis complicated deep wound. This soft tissue composite flap was then inset within its arc of
rotation.

The 2 separate 20 cm2 tissue composites were then transposed 20 cm2 and imbricated across the midline
of the open wound of the posterior cervical wound 12 cm2 closing the primary and secondary defects
created by the original wound and the mobilization and transpositions utilizing 2-0 Monocryl plus inverted
simple suture materiai every 2-3 mm for a watertight well vascularized soft tissue closure overlying the
deep tissues creating an accurately reconstructed tensionless closure over the posterior cervical wound.
The wound was then closed further at the more superficial elements approximately 8 cm using a complex
multilayer running 4-0 nylon to the skin followed and interposed by 4-0 nylon wider longer simple suture
material for further security the closure of the wound every 4mm.
The wound was then sealed with dermal glue and Steri-Strips.
The patient did well and was brought to the recovery area in good condition having tolerated procedure
well. No complications occurred during or after the operation. The patient was stable in the PACU.
All postoperative orders are written extensively for the patient for their immediate and long-term care.
I spoke with her mother in detail postoperatively and she was very happy with her care.
Prescriptions, postoperative orders, care instructions and follow-up appointment had already been given to
the patient previously. She did very well the recovery area. She is happy with her care. Were delighted to
help her today.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Not stating surgery performed in the post-op note

My physician saw a patient in the office for a post op visit. The patient had a major surgery. No where in the post-op note does he state what the surgery was. Is it necessary to state the surgery that was done in the HPI? I thought it was. He describes in the Exam that staples were removed and part of the incision was slightly open with drainage noted.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum