Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 48436

Excision of one or more exostoses of the hand, distal to the wrist, including any of the following (if performed):

(a) excision of surrounding osteophytes;

(b) release of ligaments;

(c) removal of one or more associated bursae or ganglia;

(d) removal of bone;

(e) synovectomy;

other than a service associated with a service to which another item in this Schedule applies that:

(f) is an arthroscopic procedure, arthrodesis, arthroplasty or osteotomy, or involves the removal of hardware; and

(g) is performed on the same joint or bone;

—each incision (H)

Multiple Operation Rule

(Anaes.) (Assist.)

Fee: $295.30 Benefit: 75% = $221.50

(See para TN.8.291 of explanatory notes to this Category)

• Previous - Item 48435
• Next - Item 48438

Items 48436, 48438, and 48440 each provide for the removal of one or more exostoses when undertaken via the same incision.

Where multiple incisions are made to access the same exostosis, the relevant item should only be claimed once.

For the removal of exostoses in the hand and wrist on the same occasion:

• Where exostoses are removed from the hand and wrist via separate incisions, items 48436 and 48438 may both be claimed.
• Where exostoses are removed from the hand and wrist via a single, common incision, only item 48436 should be claimed.

For the removal of exostoses in the arm and wrist on the same occasion:

• Where exostoses are removed from the arm and wrist via separate incisions, items 48438 and 48440 may both be claimed.
• Where exostoses are removed from the arm and wrist via a single, common incision, only item 48438 should be claimed.

These items are not to be used in addition to an item for another arthroscopy, arthrodesis, arthroplasty, osteotomy, or removal of hardware where those procedures are performed on the same joint or bone.

Related Items: 48436 48438 48440