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What is Nuss bar procedure?

What is Nuss bar procedure?

The Nuss procedure is now the preferred operation for surgical correction of pectus excavatum (PE). It is a minimally invasive technique, whereby one to three curved metal bars are inserted behind the sternum in order to push it into a normal position. The bars are left in situ for three years and then removed.

Where is the Nuss bar placed?

The Nuss procedure has several steps: The surgeon makes two small cuts in the side of the chest. The surgeon places one or more steel bars behind the breastbone and attaches them to the outer edge of the ribs. The surgeon uses a tiny camera to get the bars in the right place.

Does insurance cover pectus excavatum surgery?

Surgical repair of Pectus Carinatum may be considered reconstructive and medically necessary. Requests for coverage of repair of Pectus Carinatum will be reviewed by a UnitedHealthcare Medical Director on a case-by-case basis.

Is Nuss procedure painful?

Pain is common after a Nuss procedure. Therefore, you will remain at the hospital for two to three days for effective pain management.

What can you do for pectus excavatum?

Pectus excavatum can be surgically repaired, but surgery is usually reserved for people who have moderate to severe signs and symptoms. People who have mild signs and symptoms may be helped by physical therapy. Certain exercises can improve posture and increase the degree to which the chest can expand.

How much does a pectus excavatum surgery cost?

Cost of SIMPLE Pectus Surgery The cost for the SIMPLE Pectus surgery for pectus excavatum can vary from $15,000 to $25,000. This is considerably less than the cost of Nuss and Ravitch procedures since no hospital stay is needed.

Which is the best code to assign for Nuss bar removal?

There is no code indexed for the removal of the bar. Suggestions for the removal of the bar include: Which would be the best code to assign? For NUSS bar removal assign 47930-00 [1554] Removal of plate, rod or nail, NEC following the ACHI Index: Removal/fixation device/internal/plate. Free text should be used to specify the device being removed.

When do you remove the Nuss bar from your chest?

A NUSS bar is inserted to treat pectus excavatum and 38458-00 [564] Repair of pectus excavatum with implantation of subcutaneous prosthesis covers the insertion. Customarily the bar is removed at the end of adolescence, once growth has completed and the chest is well-shaped and there is good lung function.

What is the CPT code for pectus excavatum?

CPT® Code Description 21742 Reconstructive repair of pectus excavatum or carinatum; minimally invasive approach (Nuss procedure), without thoracoscopy 21743 Reconstructive repair of pectus excavatum or carinatum; minimally invasive approach (Nuss procedure), with thoracoscopy Removal

How to remove a Nuss bar in New Zealand?

For NUSS bar removal assign 47930-00 Removal of plate, rod or nail, NEC following the ACHI Index: Removal/fixation device/internal/plate. Free text should be used to specify the device being removed.