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Q&A: Coding for debridement of a necrotic muscle not due to an open wound

QUESTION: A physician documents in an operative report debridement of a necrotic muscle (not due to an open wound). Must the physician also document how the muscle is removed to report ICD-9-CM procedure code 83.45 (other myectomy)?

Is this considered excisional or nonexcisional debridement? What documentation is required to code the removal of a necrotic portion of a muscle?

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