This study was published in the South African Orthopaedic Journal in November 2023 and aimed to establish coding guidelines for commonly performed soft tissue knee procedures in South Africa, involving a consensus from members of the South African Knee Society (SAKS). Sixteen knee surgeons, with a median annual case volume of 200 knee procedures, participated in the study. Through a Delphi consensus process, codes for various knee surgeries were prioritized, achieving consensus for certain procedures like meniscus and cartilage surgery, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.
The study aimed to provide transparent and consistent coding practices for these procedures, addressing the absence of specific codes and the challenges in aligning reimbursement practices with professional recommendations. The recommendations from this study intend to guide ethical coding practices for soft tissue knee procedures in South Africa.
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