What are the correct codes for Mr. Chung's open reduction with internal fixation, followed by an infection treatment?

The correct answer involves a situation where Mr. Chung underwent an open reduction with internal fixation, which is represented by one of the surgical codes, specifically 27758 for the fixation procedure on the lower leg or ankle. The use of the "-RT" modifier indicates that the procedure was performed on the right side, which is crucial for precise coding.

Additionally, after this surgical procedure, Mr. Chung required further treatment for an infection. The code 20680 is designated for an aspiration, and by adding the modifier "-78", it signifies that a related procedure (in this case, the infection treatment) was performed during the postoperative period following the original surgery. This relationship is key in coding for services that are directly related to the surgery without being billed as separate or unrelated services.

This coding accurately represents both the major surgical procedure and the necessary follow-up treatment for infection that arose afterward, which is why it is the appropriate selection. The other codes may not accurately reflect the procedural relationship or utilize incorrect modifiers that do not indicate a related service during the postoperative period.