Orthopedic Coding Alert

Stronger claims come from choosing correct scan types and diagnoses.Paying attention to three details for your patients' bone density scans can make or break your claims success. Follow our experts' advice regarding the types of tests, appropriate diagnoses, and acceptable timeframes, and you'll build strong claims and healthy bottom lines.1. Report the Correct Type of ScanBone density scans (also known as bone mass measurements, or BMM) fall into five general categories. Your first step in coding is to determine the study type and site.Ultrasound bone scan: You'll report 76977 (Ultrasound bone density measurement and interpretation, peripheral site[s], any method) when your orthopedist completes a bone scan using ultrasound.CT bone scan: For a CT bone scan, choose 77078 (Computed tomography, bone mineral density study, 1 or more sites; axial skeleton [e.g., hips, pelvis, spine) or 77079 (... appendicular skeleton [peripheral] [e.g., radius, wrist, heel]). "These are used together with computer software [...]