Orthopedic Coding Alert
CPT® 2012 Update:
Arthrodesis, Laminectomy, Limb Compression, And Palmar Injections Top Your 2012 Changes List
Equip yourself with new codes and revisionsWith the 2012 codes being applicable, you will ... Read more
Arthrodesis, Laminectomy, Limb Compression, And Palmar Injections Top Your 2012 Changes List
Equip yourself with new codes and revisionsWith the 2012 codes being applicable, you will ... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Here's How to Confidently Code For Insertion, Removal, And Reinsertion Of Spinal Instrumentation
Approach, span and devices influence your claim If your surgeon provides spinal instru... Read more
Here's How to Confidently Code For Insertion, Removal, And Reinsertion Of Spinal Instrumentation
Approach, span and devices influence your claim If your surgeon provides spinal instru... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Look For Regions To Report Radiculopathy
Single ICD-9 code spans to four codes in ICD-10. Radiculopathy is site-specific for sp... Read more
Look For Regions To Report Radiculopathy
Single ICD-9 code spans to four codes in ICD-10. Radiculopathy is site-specific for sp... Read more
Billing & Collections:
Modifier Mythbuster: Clean Up Your Modifier 24 Claims By Learning the Truth About 5 Common Myths: Part 1
Focus on the surgeon's documentation, not the appointment book.If you want to ensure you g... Read more
Modifier Mythbuster: Clean Up Your Modifier 24 Claims By Learning the Truth About 5 Common Myths: Part 1
Focus on the surgeon's documentation, not the appointment book.If you want to ensure you g... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Triceps Tendon Rupture
Question: How do we report a triceps tendon rupture?Georgia SubscriberAnswer: You report 8... Read more
Report Triceps Tendon Rupture
Question: How do we report a triceps tendon rupture?Georgia SubscriberAnswer: You report 8... Read more
Reader Question:
Select One Code for Arthroscopy in Each Knee Compartment
Question: Our surgeon did an arthroscopic medial meniscus repair and lateral meniscectomy.... Read more
Select One Code for Arthroscopy in Each Knee Compartment
Question: Our surgeon did an arthroscopic medial meniscus repair and lateral meniscectomy.... Read more
Reader Question:
Lateral Release is Inclusive in Patellar Reconstruction
Question: For right knee patellar dislocation, tear medial patellofemoral ligament with he... Read more
Lateral Release is Inclusive in Patellar Reconstruction
Question: For right knee patellar dislocation, tear medial patellofemoral ligament with he... Read more
Reader Question:
Do Not Report Casts Independently
Question: When correcting club feet by releasing the Achilles and then applying the cast d... Read more
Do Not Report Casts Independently
Question: When correcting club feet by releasing the Achilles and then applying the cast d... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Simplify Reporting of Rotator Cuff Repair
Question: Can we report 29827 with modifier -22 (Increased Procedural Services:...) or -52... Read more
Simplify Reporting of Rotator Cuff Repair
Question: Can we report 29827 with modifier -22 (Increased Procedural Services:...) or -52... Read more
Coding Tips:
Ace Spinal Bone Graft Coding With These Expert Pointers
Graft source and extra services are your keys to correct codes.Coding for spinal bone graf... Read more
Ace Spinal Bone Graft Coding With These Expert Pointers
Graft source and extra services are your keys to correct codes.Coding for spinal bone graf... Read more
Follow This Advice to Capture Multiple Graft Services
When performing arthrodesis procedures at multiple levels, your surgeon may use more than ... Read more
When performing arthrodesis procedures at multiple levels, your surgeon may use more than ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Pay Attention to Laterality When Reporting Meralgia Paresthetica
Key: ICD-10 has different codes for the right and left limbs.Meralgia paresthetica may be ... Read more
Pay Attention to Laterality When Reporting Meralgia Paresthetica
Key: ICD-10 has different codes for the right and left limbs.Meralgia paresthetica may be ... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
2 New Multiple Pelvic Fracture Codes Improve Your Accuracy
Determine if fracture is open or closed to select the right code.As of Oct. 1, you'll have... Read more
2 New Multiple Pelvic Fracture Codes Improve Your Accuracy
Determine if fracture is open or closed to select the right code.As of Oct. 1, you'll have... Read more
Reader Question:
Identify Additional Procedures When Reporting Arthroscopies
Question: The surgeon did a left knee arthroscopy with lateral release and open medial pli... Read more
Identify Additional Procedures When Reporting Arthroscopies
Question: The surgeon did a left knee arthroscopy with lateral release and open medial pli... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Specific With Repair or Realignment in Finger Tendons
Question: What code do we use for a MCP capsulorrhaphy? The operative note reads: "At this... Read more
Be Specific With Repair or Realignment in Finger Tendons
Question: What code do we use for a MCP capsulorrhaphy? The operative note reads: "At this... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware 29881 and 29887 Bundling
Question: Can I submit 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR la... Read more
Beware 29881 and 29887 Bundling
Question: Can I submit 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR la... Read more
Reader Question:
Select the Right Code For Pseudotumor of Pelvis
Question: What code could I use for pseudotumor of pelvis? The surgeon indicates that the ... Read more
Select the Right Code For Pseudotumor of Pelvis
Question: What code could I use for pseudotumor of pelvis? The surgeon indicates that the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look For Extent of Debridement in Arthroscopy
Question: How do we report the arthroscopic excision of a detached anterior labral tear wi... Read more
Look For Extent of Debridement in Arthroscopy
Question: How do we report the arthroscopic excision of a detached anterior labral tear wi... Read more
Reader Question:
Fetch Full Payment for Pilon Fractures
Question: Our surgeon stabilized a pilon fracture using an external fixator and operated t... Read more
Fetch Full Payment for Pilon Fractures
Question: Our surgeon stabilized a pilon fracture using an external fixator and operated t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Bundling in 29823 and 29824
Question: Our orthopedic surgeon did a debridement of the labrum along with a rotator cuff... Read more
Bundling in 29823 and 29824
Question: Our orthopedic surgeon did a debridement of the labrum along with a rotator cuff... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Perfect Your Vertebral Fracture Repair Coding With This Advice
Balloon and cement? Identify technique, levels and regions to recoup full payment. Whe... Read more
Perfect Your Vertebral Fracture Repair Coding With This Advice
Balloon and cement? Identify technique, levels and regions to recoup full payment. Whe... Read more
Coding Tips:
3 Steps Keep You On Track For Accurate Compartment Syndrome Claims
Hint: Compartment and debridement dictate the right code.When treating compartment syndrom... Read more
3 Steps Keep You On Track For Accurate Compartment Syndrome Claims
Hint: Compartment and debridement dictate the right code.When treating compartment syndrom... Read more
ICD-10 Made Easy:
Take The Pain Out Of Pain Dx: Get Confident On G89
Look for site specific codes and include psychological factors. G89 (Pain, not elsewhere c... Read more
Take The Pain Out Of Pain Dx: Get Confident On G89
Look for site specific codes and include psychological factors. G89 (Pain, not elsewhere c... Read more
Reader Question:
Count Each Tendon in Forearm Injury
Question: The surgeon did a wound exploration with irrigation and debridement, repair of e... Read more
Count Each Tendon in Forearm Injury
Question: The surgeon did a wound exploration with irrigation and debridement, repair of e... Read more
Reader Question:
Learn More about Labral Repair
Question: How is code 29916 different from 29862 for labral repair procedures?Minnesota Su... Read more
Learn More about Labral Repair
Question: How is code 29916 different from 29862 for labral repair procedures?Minnesota Su... Read more
Reader Question:
Select Right Code for ORIF Lower Leg
Question: What is the right code for distal tibia and fibula ORIF? The surgeon made two ... Read more
Select Right Code for ORIF Lower Leg
Question: What is the right code for distal tibia and fibula ORIF? The surgeon made two ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Be Confident For Metacarpophalangeal Fixation
Question: The surgeon did a removal of trapezium, partial resection of trapezoid, an... Read more
Be Confident For Metacarpophalangeal Fixation
Question: The surgeon did a removal of trapezium, partial resection of trapezoid, an... Read more
Fracture Coding:
Solve Pilon Fracture Puzzles with These Tips
Hint: Bones and fixators guide you to the correct codes. When your surgeon treats pati... Read more
Solve Pilon Fracture Puzzles with These Tips
Hint: Bones and fixators guide you to the correct codes. When your surgeon treats pati... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Lower Back Pain Dx Gets More Specific in 2013
Make sure you know the laterality with ICD-10. Non-remitting backache is a common complai... Read more
Lower Back Pain Dx Gets More Specific in 2013
Make sure you know the laterality with ICD-10. Non-remitting backache is a common complai... Read more
Coding Tips:
Bone Biopsy Strategies Help You Collect Deserved Payment
Clue: Biopsy depth helps point you to the correct code. If bone biopsy coding trips yo... Read more
Bone Biopsy Strategies Help You Collect Deserved Payment
Clue: Biopsy depth helps point you to the correct code. If bone biopsy coding trips yo... Read more
Reader Question:
Select Appropriately for Spinal Instrumentation
Question: For a child with congenital scoliosis, our surgeon performed growth rod revisio... Read more
Select Appropriately for Spinal Instrumentation
Question: For a child with congenital scoliosis, our surgeon performed growth rod revisio... Read more
Reader Question:
Never Miss the Repeat X-ray
Question: An X-ray was taken after manipulation; the surgeon was not happy with the reduc... Read more
Never Miss the Repeat X-ray
Question: An X-ray was taken after manipulation; the surgeon was not happy with the reduc... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Rotator Cup Open Repair
Question: Which is the correct code(s) for the procedure described below: "Arthroscopy in... Read more
Report Rotator Cup Open Repair
Question: Which is the correct code(s) for the procedure described below: "Arthroscopy in... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Distinct Codes for Stimulator Removal
Question: The patient had spinal surgery in the past and then had a stimulator implanted ... Read more
Use Distinct Codes for Stimulator Removal
Question: The patient had spinal surgery in the past and then had a stimulator implanted ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine PEEK Cage Levels
Question: How do you code when the surgeon did corpectomies at C4 and C5, fusion(s) from ... Read more
Determine PEEK Cage Levels
Question: How do you code when the surgeon did corpectomies at C4 and C5, fusion(s) from ... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Know The Most Essential Facts To Report Facet Joint Injections
Count each level and check for your payers' preferences.When reporting facet joint injecti... Read more
Know The Most Essential Facts To Report Facet Joint Injections
Count each level and check for your payers' preferences.When reporting facet joint injecti... Read more
Coding Tactics:
Follow These Can't Miss Strategies For Coding Open Fractures of Tibial Shaft
Hint: Nails and fixators are the best guides. In the May issue of Orthopedic Coding Alert,... Read more
Follow These Can't Miss Strategies For Coding Open Fractures of Tibial Shaft
Hint: Nails and fixators are the best guides. In the May issue of Orthopedic Coding Alert,... Read more
Billing Challenges:
3 Steps Help Improve Your Collections by Finetuning Your A/R Process
Be diligent with denial follow-ups, or risk leaving money on the table.Economic uncertaint... Read more
3 Steps Help Improve Your Collections by Finetuning Your A/R Process
Be diligent with denial follow-ups, or risk leaving money on the table.Economic uncertaint... Read more
Reader Question:
Select Best Codes for Stumps
Question How do we code when the operative note reads, "A transverse incision was made ove... Read more
Select Best Codes for Stumps
Question How do we code when the operative note reads, "A transverse incision was made ove... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn To Report the Lacerations
Question What ICD-9 code do we report when there is a large laceration which is partially ... Read more
Learn To Report the Lacerations
Question What ICD-9 code do we report when there is a large laceration which is partially ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assure Correct Coding for ORIF In Leg Fractures
Question How do you code for a diagnosis of a comminuted distal tibial metaphyseal fractur... Read more
Assure Correct Coding for ORIF In Leg Fractures
Question How do you code for a diagnosis of a comminuted distal tibial metaphyseal fractur... Read more
Reader Questions:
Feel Confident on Loose Bodies in the Knee
Question The Surgeon performed arthroscopic medial meniscectomy (29881). Large loose body ... Read more
Feel Confident on Loose Bodies in the Knee
Question The Surgeon performed arthroscopic medial meniscectomy (29881). Large loose body ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Count Every Laminotomy
Question: How do we report if the surgeon takes a paramedian approach and does osteotomies... Read more
Count Every Laminotomy
Question: How do we report if the surgeon takes a paramedian approach and does osteotomies... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Capture The Correct Codes For Open Repair In An Unstable Shoulder
Process and records influence your claimsWhen your orthopedic surgeon treats a chronically... Read more
Capture The Correct Codes For Open Repair In An Unstable Shoulder
Process and records influence your claimsWhen your orthopedic surgeon treats a chronically... Read more
Modifier Review:
Advice Helps You Append Correct Modifiers For Upper Limb Fractures
Repetition of a procedure or service may not always mean additional payment You will o... Read more
Advice Helps You Append Correct Modifiers For Upper Limb Fractures
Repetition of a procedure or service may not always mean additional payment You will o... Read more
Modifier Myths:
Dispel These Common Modifier 22 Myths
Correctly read and document the extra time spent and work doneIn our last issue, we looked... Read more
Dispel These Common Modifier 22 Myths
Correctly read and document the extra time spent and work doneIn our last issue, we looked... Read more
Correction:
Correction:
In Orthopedic Coding Alert Vol.14, N.5, page 30, we reported the following: "In addition, ... Read more
Correction:
In Orthopedic Coding Alert Vol.14, N.5, page 30, we reported the following: "In addition, ... Read more
Reader Question:
Correctly Report Wound Care
Question: How does one report an irrigation and debridement, wound closure and placement o... Read more
Correctly Report Wound Care
Question: How does one report an irrigation and debridement, wound closure and placement o... Read more
Reader Question:
Spot the Spur in the Shoulder
Question: How does one report if the surgeon does 'arthroscopic removal of an acromial spu... Read more
Spot the Spur in the Shoulder
Question: How does one report if the surgeon does 'arthroscopic removal of an acromial spu... Read more
Reader Question:
Multiple Injections May Not Mean More Payment
Question: If the surgeon gives 2 injections into the (same) knee in two separate locations... Read more
Multiple Injections May Not Mean More Payment
Question: If the surgeon gives 2 injections into the (same) knee in two separate locations... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Decompression at Ankle
Question: How does one report a code when the operative note reads "The thick retinaculum ... Read more
Report Decompression at Ankle
Question: How does one report a code when the operative note reads "The thick retinaculum ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle the Achilles Tendon With Care
Question: How do you code for the following procedure? "Over the point of tenderness, 2 to... Read more
Tackle the Achilles Tendon With Care
Question: How do you code for the following procedure? "Over the point of tenderness, 2 to... Read more
e Coding With These TacticsCoding Strategies:
Refine Your Tibial Shaft Fractur
Look to casts, nails, plates and fixators to guide your coding. While tibial fracture ... Read more
Refine Your Tibial Shaft Fractur
Look to casts, nails, plates and fixators to guide your coding. While tibial fracture ... Read more
Coding Tips:
Discern Views, Type for Correct Upper Limb X-Ray Coding
Views and modifiers in diagnostic X-rays can influence your paymentsYou code lots of diagn... Read more
Discern Views, Type for Correct Upper Limb X-Ray Coding
Views and modifiers in diagnostic X-rays can influence your paymentsYou code lots of diagn... Read more
Modifier Myths:
Dispel The Common Myths About Modifier 22
You can avoid an audit by not taking the modifier 22 for grantedYou may read through an op... Read more
Dispel The Common Myths About Modifier 22
You can avoid an audit by not taking the modifier 22 for grantedYou may read through an op... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take These Steps When Reporting Arthroscopic Synovectomy with Chondroplasty
Question When doing arthroscopic synovectomy (29876) in all three compartments in the knee... Read more
Take These Steps When Reporting Arthroscopic Synovectomy with Chondroplasty
Question When doing arthroscopic synovectomy (29876) in all three compartments in the knee... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append Correct Modifiers for Toe Osteotomy and Reconstruction
Question Is it correct to code 28306-TA for left Foot first Metatarsal Mitchell Osteotomy ... Read more
Append Correct Modifiers for Toe Osteotomy and Reconstruction
Question Is it correct to code 28306-TA for left Foot first Metatarsal Mitchell Osteotomy ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Correct for Wound Dehiscence and Delayed Primary Closure
Question After a total knee replacement done three weeks ago, one of our patients develope... Read more
Code Correct for Wound Dehiscence and Delayed Primary Closure
Question After a total knee replacement done three weeks ago, one of our patients develope... Read more
Reader Questions:
Discern the Osteochondral Defect
Question For an osteochondral defect in the medial aspect of the left femoral condyle, an ... Read more
Discern the Osteochondral Defect
Question For an osteochondral defect in the medial aspect of the left femoral condyle, an ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report the Correct Code for Synovectomy
Question: Can you help me with the codes for the following procedure? One of our patients,... Read more
Report the Correct Code for Synovectomy
Question: Can you help me with the codes for the following procedure? One of our patients,... Read more
Coding Update:
Improve Your Tennis Elbow Claims Score: Make Reach, Repair, and Reattachment Your Winning Strategy
Tactics help you recoup deserved pay for 24357-24359.Tennis elbow claims faults can wreak ... Read more
Improve Your Tennis Elbow Claims Score: Make Reach, Repair, and Reattachment Your Winning Strategy
Tactics help you recoup deserved pay for 24357-24359.Tennis elbow claims faults can wreak ... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Simplify Your Spinal Osteotomies With These Tips
3 key factors you'll need to identify to avoid denials.When your orthopedic surgeon perfor... Read more
Simplify Your Spinal Osteotomies With These Tips
3 key factors you'll need to identify to avoid denials.When your orthopedic surgeon perfor... Read more
ICD-10 crosswalk:
Specify Kyphosis Type to Support Osteotomy Claims
To appropriately support your spinal osteotomies reporting, you'll need to indicate underl... Read more
Specify Kyphosis Type to Support Osteotomy Claims
To appropriately support your spinal osteotomies reporting, you'll need to indicate underl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Total Knee Replacement
Question Can we bill code 27438 with 27487 for the revision of the total knee replacement ... Read more
Assess Total Knee Replacement
Question Can we bill code 27438 with 27487 for the revision of the total knee replacement ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Splint Replacements in Tibial Fractures
Question Is code 27752 appropriate for replacement of a splint after debridement of bliste... Read more
Code Splint Replacements in Tibial Fractures
Question Is code 27752 appropriate for replacement of a splint after debridement of bliste... Read more
Reader Questions:
Scan for Arthroscopy Reason with Open Patella Debridement
Question How do you code an arthroscopy followed by an open patella debridement and remova... Read more
Scan for Arthroscopy Reason with Open Patella Debridement
Question How do you code an arthroscopy followed by an open patella debridement and remova... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Repeat Wound Irrigation in Hand Injury
Question Is it right to code 15852 if the surgeon planned a repeat irrigation debridement ... Read more
Assess Repeat Wound Irrigation in Hand Injury
Question Is it right to code 15852 if the surgeon planned a repeat irrigation debridement ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Correctly Code Crush Injury of Hand
Question: We have a patient who had a severe crush injury of the left hand which led to a ... Read more
Correctly Code Crush Injury of Hand
Question: We have a patient who had a severe crush injury of the left hand which led to a ... Read more
Procedure Coding:
Use These 3 Tips to Give Your PLIF Claims Wings
Remember to capitalize on separately reportable bone grafts.When your orthopedist performs... Read more
Use These 3 Tips to Give Your PLIF Claims Wings
Remember to capitalize on separately reportable bone grafts.When your orthopedist performs... Read more
ICD-10 lookup
ICD-10 implementation is coming in 2013 and it's not too early to learn what those changes... Read more
ICD-10 implementation is coming in 2013 and it's not too early to learn what those changes... Read more
E/M Coding:
Use ROS Smarts to Accurately Choose High-Level E/Ms
If each system's not documented, get ready to assign a lower code.If you incorrectly tally... Read more
Use ROS Smarts to Accurately Choose High-Level E/Ms
If each system's not documented, get ready to assign a lower code.If you incorrectly tally... Read more
News You Can Use:
Your 2011 Medicare Pay Is Safe -- For Now
Orthopedic practices can join other Part B providers in feeling relief over Congress' Dece... Read more
Your 2011 Medicare Pay Is Safe -- For Now
Orthopedic practices can join other Part B providers in feeling relief over Congress' Dece... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine X-stop Extent for Code Choice
Question: What should I report for removal of an X-stop? Would 22850 (Removal of posterior... Read more
Determine X-stop Extent for Code Choice
Question: What should I report for removal of an X-stop? Would 22850 (Removal of posterior... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 22849 for Instrumentation Reinsertion
Question: When the surgeon removes instrumentation and reinserts the instrumentation at th... Read more
Look to 22849 for Instrumentation Reinsertion
Question: When the surgeon removes instrumentation and reinserts the instrumentation at th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Separate Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Cervical Fusion
Question: Our surgeon performed a 3-level anterior cervical fusion w/corpectomy, discect... Read more
Separate Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Cervical Fusion
Question: Our surgeon performed a 3-level anterior cervical fusion w/corpectomy, discect... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember That Global Starts Post-Procedure
Question: An established patient with degenerative scoliosis reports to the orthopedist fo... Read more
Remember That Global Starts Post-Procedure
Question: An established patient with degenerative scoliosis reports to the orthopedist fo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Mind CCI Edits on Lateral Releases
Question: Our orthopedist performed a total knee replacement with a lateral release using ... Read more
Mind CCI Edits on Lateral Releases
Question: Our orthopedist performed a total knee replacement with a lateral release using ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
CPT Gives You an Assist on Multi-Arthroscopy Encounters
Question: My orthopedist performed a medial and lateral meniscectomy on a patient, and als... Read more
CPT Gives You an Assist on Multi-Arthroscopy Encounters
Question: My orthopedist performed a medial and lateral meniscectomy on a patient, and als... Read more
Coding Strategies:
20526: Follow 3 FAQs to Unlock Carpal Tunnel Pay
Evidence of previous treatments a part of successful CTS shot claims.If you're coding for ... Read more
20526: Follow 3 FAQs to Unlock Carpal Tunnel Pay
Evidence of previous treatments a part of successful CTS shot claims.If you're coding for ... Read more
ICD-10 crosswalk
Once ICD-10 is implemented, the diagnosis codes in the above story will be different. Chec... Read more
Once ICD-10 is implemented, the diagnosis codes in the above story will be different. Chec... Read more
Modifier Use:
Append Modifier 50 on Bilateral CTS Shots … Usually
Some modifier 50 rules could cause confusion come coding time.When the orthopedist injects... Read more
Append Modifier 50 on Bilateral CTS Shots … Usually
Some modifier 50 rules could cause confusion come coding time.When the orthopedist injects... Read more
E/M Coding:
Take These Steps Before Considering Incident-To
Established plan of care a must to bill under physician's NPI.Orthopedic practices that ar... Read more
Take These Steps Before Considering Incident-To
Established plan of care a must to bill under physician's NPI.Orthopedic practices that ar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Add-On Codes to Account for All TLIF Codes
Question: During the same operative session, the orthopedic surgeon performed the follow... Read more
Use Add-On Codes to Account for All TLIF Codes
Question: During the same operative session, the orthopedic surgeon performed the follow... Read more
Reader Questions:
Terminology Provides Clues to Graft Differences
Question: What's the difference between a spinal allograft and an autograft?Answer: If the... Read more
Terminology Provides Clues to Graft Differences
Question: What's the difference between a spinal allograft and an autograft?Answer: If the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep An Eye on New Modifiers
Question: What modifier changes should orthopedic practices know about for 2011?Answer: Th... Read more
Keep An Eye on New Modifiers
Question: What modifier changes should orthopedic practices know about for 2011?Answer: Th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ankle Fractures and Multiple X-Rays
Question: A new patient presents to the office suffering from an injured left ankle she ... Read more
Ankle Fractures and Multiple X-Rays
Question: A new patient presents to the office suffering from an injured left ankle she ... Read more
Fracture Care:
27780 or 27781? Choosing Incorrectly Could Cost Your Ortho Hundreds
Find out what manipulation means and test yourself with two scenarios.When your orthopedis... Read more
27780 or 27781? Choosing Incorrectly Could Cost Your Ortho Hundreds
Find out what manipulation means and test yourself with two scenarios.When your orthopedis... Read more
ICD-10:
Osteoarthritis Will Require Heightened Documentation in 2013
Unspecified location? Look to the M19 codes. When ICD-9 becomes ICD-10 in 2013, you wil... Read more
Osteoarthritis Will Require Heightened Documentation in 2013
Unspecified location? Look to the M19 codes. When ICD-9 becomes ICD-10 in 2013, you wil... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Sets 2011 Conversion Factor -- Is Your Ortho Practice Ready?
Despite adjusted rate of 33.9764, changed RVUs should ensure that your payments will stay ... Read more
CMS Sets 2011 Conversion Factor -- Is Your Ortho Practice Ready?
Despite adjusted rate of 33.9764, changed RVUs should ensure that your payments will stay ... Read more
Tools:
Brush Up On These Ortho Acronyms to Decipher Operative Reports
Use these tips to better translate abbreviations into codes.Do you know your APL from your... Read more
Brush Up On These Ortho Acronyms to Decipher Operative Reports
Use these tips to better translate abbreviations into codes.Do you know your APL from your... Read more
Reader Question:
681.00-681.02: Get Specific With Tissue Infections
Question: Our surgeon treated a soft-tissue infection on a patient's finger. Which diagnos... Read more
681.00-681.02: Get Specific With Tissue Infections
Question: Our surgeon treated a soft-tissue infection on a patient's finger. Which diagnos... Read more
Reader Question:
Equate 20610 For Trochanteric Bursa Injection
Question: How should I code injection of trochanteric bursa and sacral crest? My orthopedi... Read more
Equate 20610 For Trochanteric Bursa Injection
Question: How should I code injection of trochanteric bursa and sacral crest? My orthopedi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
97760: Count Post-Op Brace Fitting and Education Separate?
Question: Can my physician bill for a fitting and education of a brace during the postoper... Read more
97760: Count Post-Op Brace Fitting and Education Separate?
Question: Can my physician bill for a fitting and education of a brace during the postoper... Read more