PT had ventral hernia repair 3 weeks before. Then presented with a new bulge in the same area. Second OP note states "purulent peritonitis and generalized serositis" lying in both gutters in the abdomen. Also, 25% fo the sutures were completely detached. Desicion was made to remove the synthetic mesh and replace it with a biologic mesh.
No debridement done, no mention of infected mesh. How would you code this? Dx 567.21 and 996.59? What about procedure? The Op note does not describe a recurrent hernia, although the office visit chart mentions bulging in the inscision area. Do we have to use an unlisted code and refer it to 49565? I'm afraid Medicare will not pay for this.
thank you for your advice
