On page 3-160 of the manual, it states "Debridement of an ulcer merely removes necrotic and decayed tissue to promote healing. The ulcer still exists and may or may not be at the same stage as it was prior to debridement. Good clinical practice dictates that the ulcer be re-examined and re-staged after debridement. Also code treatments as appropriate in Item m5 (Skin Treatments)." Since it still calls it an ulcer and re-stages, I would not code as a surgical wound, still an ulcer, just with a new staging. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pam Allen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 8:20 AM Subject: Section M
> I know this has been discussed before but I can not find the information. My > question is under section M4 Would we code a surgical wound if a Stage IV > pressure area was surgically debrided? > We are having a minor debate at my facility with regards to this. My feeling > is that if eschar is removed by surgical intervention with/without a flap it > is considered a surgical wound. It does cut into healthy tissue and > sometimes does require suturing. I would still code it as a pressure ulcer > at M1 and surgical wound at M5. Am I right or am I off base??? Any help > would be greatly appreciated, today would be great. > Thanks Pam > > > /---------------------------------------------------------- > The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the > American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators > "Committed to the Assessment Professional" > Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your > questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. > For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org > -----------------------------------------------------------/ /---------------------------------------------------------- The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators "Committed to the Assessment Professional" Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org -----------------------------------------------------------/
