January 23, 2020

Question:
My physician is utilizing an open laceration on the patient’s chin for open reduction of a mandibular symphysis fracture and he wants to also charge for a complex laceration repair for that laceration. Is this billable or is it part of the ORIF code?

Answer:
If the fracture is repaired through the laceration then we code only the fracture repair – the laceration repair would not be separately reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/23/20.