Root Operations that always involve devices include insertion, replacement, and supplement; Part 1 by Dr. Helen Walker

Insertion- Root Operation H

Insertion is defined as putting in a nonbiological appliance that monitors, assists, performs or prevents a physiological function but does not physically take place of a body part. Examples: insertion of radioactive implant OR a central venous catheter.

Coding Example: Port-a cath placement

Replacement -Root Operation R

Replacement is defined as: Putting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically takes the place and/or function of all or a portion of a body part Examples: total hip replacement, bone graft, free skin graft.

Coding Example: Prosthetic lens implantation

Supplement- Root Operation 7

Supplement is defined as Putting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically reinforces or augments the function of a body part.

Examples: Herniorrhaphy using mesh, free nerve mitral valve ring annuloplasty, putting in a new acetabular liner in a previous hip replacement

Coding Example: Posterior colporrhaphy with Gynemesh

Reference: CMS: “2010 ICD-10-PCS Reference Manual” Available online at www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10