October 3, 2019

Question:
Our surgeon performed an I&D of a hematoma in the same compartment as an anterior and lateral fasciotomy in the leg for compartment syndrome. I submitted a code for the I&D in addition to the fasciotomy code and the surgeon removed the I&D code, stating it would be inclusive to the fasciotomy. I don’t feel this is correct. Is the I&D inclusive?

Answer:
KZA agrees with the surgeon based upon the information presented in your scenario. The drainage of a hematoma in the same compartment(s) as the fasciotomy is inclusive to the fasciotomy code(s).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/03/19.