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.
