Coding Rules Current as at 18-Oct-2016 08: 31

Published 15 June 2015,
for implementation 01 July 2015.

Note: refer to NZCA coding query Diabetes mellitus documentation

Ref No: Q2909 | Published On: 15-Jun-2015 | Status: Current

SUBJECT:  Epiphysiodesis of tibia

Q:

What is the correct code for epiphysiodesis of the tibia?

A:

Epiphysiodesis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to slow or stop bone growth at epiphyseal (growth) plates located at either end of long bones such as the femur, tibia and fibula. This procedure is typically used in children to correct discrepancies in limb length.

Whilst usually performed on both the tibia and fibula, in older children, the procedure is sometimes performed on the tibia alone.

For epiphysiodesis of the tibia, assign 48503-00 [1520] Epiphysiodesis of tibia and fibula following the index pathway:

Epiphysiodesis

- tibia

- - with fibula 48503-00 [1520]

Improvements to ACHI will be considered for this procedure in a future edition.