ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Technical Terms for Falling Down

Question: A patient presents after a fall that occurred at work. The physician dictation states that the patient "took a mechanical fall while at work." The workers' comp carrier wants to know the definition of "mechanical fall." I can't find a written definition for this term. Is there an exact definition? Colorado Subscriber Answer: The purpose of calling a fall "mechanical" is to show definitively that the patient didn't have a syncopal episode, i.e., fainting. A"mechanical process" took place when the fall occurred. The patient tripped over a carpet, for example, or slipped on a wet floor.  
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All