ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: A patient reports with a swollen right ring finger that she injured while catching a softball. The physician performed an x-ray of the hand (two views; results negative), then to stabilize the finger performed strapping with a 3-inch wide ACE bandage with web roll and several layers of tape. Can we report the bandage supply in addition to the CPT^® procedure codes?

Nevada Subscriber

Answer: Yes, you can report the ACE bandage supply, but on the facility side -- not under your physician. You’ll also want to make sure that your payer considers this a strapping procedure before filing the claim.

Remember: To some payers, wrapping a digit with an ACE bandage does not constitute strapping. These payers will want to see the proper level evaluation and management (E/M) code for the service rather than the strapping code. If you are unsure of your payer’s policy on strapping claims, contact a representative before filing this claim.

If your payer considers ACE bandage wrapping strapping, you should:

report 73120 (Radiologic examination, hand; two views) for the x-ray.

report 29280 (Strapping; hand or finger) for the strapping.

report A6449 (Light compression bandage, elastic, knitted/woven, width greater than or equal to three inches and less than five inches, per yard) on the facility side for payers that require the reporting of these supplies

attach ICD-9 code 842.10 (Sprains and strains of hand; unspecified site) to 73120, 29280 and A6449 to represent the patient’s injury.

attach ICD-9 E917.0 (Striking against or struck accidentally by objects or persons; in sports without subsequent fall) code to 73120, 29280 and A6449 to represent the cause of the patient’s injury.