Home Health ICD-9/ICD-10 Alert

Question: We have a lot of orthopedic patients. I have been reporting V57.1 for physical therapy if the main focus for these patients is PT, even if a nurse is also on the case. But with the new change, I don't know if this is still correct. Most of these patients are knee or hip replacements; I code them as follows:

• M0230a: V57.1 (Other physical therapy);
• M0240b: 781.2 (Abnormality of gait);
• M0240c: V54.81 (Aftercare following joint replacement);
• M0240d: V43.65 (Organ or tissue replaced by other means, joint, knee);
• M0240e: V58.3 (Attention to surgical dressings and sutures); and
• M0245a: 781.2 (Abnormality of gait).

How should I code for these patients?


South Carolina Subscriber

Answer: Code this patient who is receiving both physical therapy and nursing services as follows:

• M0230a: V54.81 (Aftercare following joint replacement);
• M0240b: V43.65 (Organ or tissue replaced by other means, joint, knee);
• M0240c: 781.2 (Abnormality of gait);
• M0240d: V58.3 (Attention to surgical dressings and sutures); and
• M0245a: 781.2 (Abnormality of gait).

Both therapy and nursing are providing aftercare so this is the most acute condition requiring the most intensive services and should be listed first.