Discussion on the Surgical Code for Selective Resection of Dorsal Penile Nerves

Abstract

Objective. We discuss the surgical code for selective resection of dorsal penile nerves. Method. Adopting ICD-10 and F52.4 (premature ejaculation) as search terms, 277 medical records from 2009 to 2013 are retrieved from the medical record statistical management system; among these medical records, there are 210 cases of surgery. Using the ICD-9-CM-3 (2008 version) as the reference book, the quality of coding for selective resection of dorsal penile nerves is retrospectively analyzed. Result. There are 124 cases which are wrongly coded as 64.2 for local excision or destruction of penile lesions, 51 cases which are wrongly coded as 64.4 for penis repair and anaplasty, and 35 cases which are wrongly coded as 03.1 for intramedullary rhizotomy or rhizotomy; and the error rate is 16.66%; the correct code should be 04.03 for other cranial nerves and peripheral neurotomy or angiotripsy, and the detailed code should be 04.0301. Conclusion. The misjudgment of the scope of surgery, surgical method and anatomic sites results in errors in coding for selective resection of dorsal penile nerves. The anatomical location of the dorsal penile nerves determined by the surgery is the key to coding; the coders must carefully read the surgical records, master the anatomical knowledge and enhance their medical knowledge and expertise in the international classification of diseases, so as to ensure the accuracy of codes.

Key words::

• Dorsal penile nerves
• Surgical code
• ICD-9-CM-3