Ask Dr. Z

Please advise if I am able to bill for removal of suture material for this case: "TECHNIQUE: Suture material noted in the lateral aspect of the port incision site acting as nidus of infection. Region of redness/cellulitis was centered at the site of the suture, with the medial aspect of the incision appearing well-healed and without evidence of infection. The decision was made not to remove the port given there was no evidence that the port itself was infected including no fevers, elevated WBC count, or positive blood cultures, but to remove the suture material causing the infection and continue antibiotics to treat the cellulitis. The chest was prepped and draped in sterile fashion. The indwelling suture material was removed, and a sterile dressing was applied. IMPRESSION: Successful removal of suture material from the lateral aspect of the port incision site. This is likely acting as a nidus for cellulitis, and the cellulitis is expected to clear with a continued use of antibiotics."