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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Casts and Splints:

Avoid the Summertime Cast Trap of Coding Within the Global

Published on Wed Apr 28, 2010

Tip: Remember you can always report supplies, if you meet one simple test.When the weather turns warm, people head outdoors - which means the likelihood of broken bones increases. Be sure you're ready to conquer cast and splint claims by keeping these three key factors in mind.Know These Two Cast Coding TimesMany patients keep the same cast throughout treatment, but that's not always the case. If a patient needs a replacement cast because of decreased swelling, loosening of the cast, or a broken cast, don't forget that you might be able to code the application.Initial cast application is part of the fracture care global period, but there are two instances when you might be able to report additional casts:Situation 1: Any replacement cast your physician applies during the global period is separately codeable. Some payers require modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure by the same physician during the post-operative period) to [...]
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