Orthopedic Coding Alert
Background on the Spine
Spine surgeries can be performed for several reasons. There may be spinal deformity, such as scoliosis. There may be spinal instability from a fracture. There may also be the added issue of a herniated disc, where the intervertebral disk has shifted and is applying pressure to the spinal cord, causing severe nerve pain.
The vertebral column is made up of 24 movable vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx. The movable vertebrae are divided into (from the top) seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, and five lumbar vertebrae. Each vertebra consists of a vertebral body, vertebral foramen, facets, lamina, and spinous, articular and transverse processes. Understanding the form and shape of a vertebra and its parts, along with the layout of the spinal column, is necessary if the coder is to understand what is written in a spinal surgery operative report.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Avoid SLAP and Bankart Repair Denials:
Don't Substitute Codes
A photographic record could be your answer to the nagging problem of receiving reimbursement for [...] - Documentation is Key to Reimbursement with New Medicare Consultation Update
Documentation—by both the primary and specialist physician—is the key to get specialty services paid as [...] - Coder's Column:
Learn the Basics of Correct Coding for Spinal Surgeries
By Susan Callaway-Stradley, CPC, CCS-P The coders in an orthopedic practice suffer if they [...] - Background on the Spine
Spine surgeries can be performed for several reasons. There may be spinal deformity, such as [...] - Reader Question:
Cast Change
Question: A patient comes in for an x-ray and cast change during the 90-day global [...] - Reader Question:
Modifier -57
Question: I was called to see a 90-year-old man who had fallen and fractured his [...] - Reader Question:
Billing for Fracture Care
Question: A diabetic patient is seen in the hospital for foot pain. Multiple tarsal and [...] - Reader Question:
Coding for Repeated Visits
Question: Office treatment of diabetic foot ulcerations required repeated (staged) debridement of hypertrophic skin, sometimes [...] - Reader Question:
Billing for Evaluations
Question: I am confused about billing for the orthopedic surgeon’s evaluation of a hospitalized patient [...] - Reader Question:
Bundling Options
Question: According to HCFA’s Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) guidelines, 29881 (arthroscopy, knee, with meniscetomy [medial [...] - Reader Question:
Emergency Department Billing
Question: Under teaching guidelines, what is the proper way to bill for fracture treatment in [...]
