ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: If the ED physician wraps tape around an injured toe and an adjoining one to aid in healing, is this a codeable service?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: Yes, it is. When the ED physician performs this service, it’s referred to as “buddy taping.” Report the service with 29550 (Strapping; toes).

E/M opportunity: Before your physician decides to buddy tape an injured toe, they will almost certainly perform a separate evaluation and management (E/M) service to decide on a treatment course. When you find evidence of a separate E/M in the notes, remember to include the appropriate level E/M code with modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service) to 29550.