Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Dislocation Earns More Than E/M

Published on Sat Nov 26, 2005

Question: A patient recently presented in the ED with a dislocated shoulder. The ED physician returned his shoulder to the correct position using 10-pound weights. Is there a specific code I can report for this, or should I just include it in the E/M service?


Virginia Subscriber
Answer: You don't have to roll this work into the evaluation and management code--instead, you should report it with a code for treatment of shoulder dislocation if the physician has provided you enough documentation.

The correct code is 23650 (Closed treatment of shoulder dislocation, with manipulation; without anesthesia). If you don't have enough documentation, you should query the doctor.
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