Question:
My physician saw a patient for a non-displaced tarsal bone fracture, which did not require manipulation. Rather than applying a cast, the physician placed a prefabricated short leg removable cast. I spoke with my physician and the patient will not require much in the way of additional treatment. She was instructed to follow up with the orthopedist in 2 weeks. Can this be reported as fracture care?
Wisconsin subscriber
Answer:
Yes, this would be reported using code, 28450 (Treatment of tarsal bone fracture [except talus and calcaneus]; without manipulation, each). In this case, the physician has determined that there is a fracture, decided on the appropriate course of treatment, so he is meeting the requirements for reporting the fracture care code.
However, unless they are providing the associated follow-up fracture care included in the global surgical package, be sure to append the 54 modifier to indicate you are reporting the procedure only.
