ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Evaluate Code Options for Multiple Fractures
Question: When a patient reports with multiple fractures, how does the coder decide which fracture to report first? Illinois Subscriber Answer: You’ll list the fracture treatment code with the highest relative value units (RVUs) first, with each fracture treatment thereafter listed in the order of RVUs. Example: The ED physician performs repair of a closed tibial shaft fracture using manipulation and skeletal traction; he also performs closed repair of a nondisplaced fracture of the patient’s distal radius without manipulation. You’d report 27752 (Closed treatment of tibial shaft fracture (with or without fibular fracture); with manipulation, with or without skeletal traction) for the tibial fracture fix and 25600 (Closed treatment of distal radial fracture (eg, Colles or Smith type) or epiphyseal separation, includes closed treatment of fracture of ulnar styloid, when performed; without manipulation) to ensure the reduction is applied to the lower-paying code.
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Evaluate Code Options for Multiple Fractures
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