Ask Dr. Z

Our physician was doing an aortic valve replacement on a patient for severe aortic stenosis. During the procedure, the patient was found to have anterior mitral valve leaflet calcification, which was debrided. "Anterior mitral valve leaflet debridement: There was a band of calcium that was extending from the aortic annulus to the anterior mitral valve leaflet. This was debrided carefully without perforation of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve." Please advise if an additional code should be used for the debridement of the mitral valve or if this would be included in the aortic valve replacement.