Orthopedic Coding Alert

Evidence of previous treatments a part of successful CTS shot claims.If you're coding for a patient's carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) injection, be sure to check if the patient has had any less invasive CTS treatments previously.Why? You could face a denial for the injection if it is an initial visit for CTS, as some insurers allow CTS injection therapy only when other treatments have failed.Check out these FAQs to make each CTS coding scenario a snap.Should the Physician Try Other Treatments Before 20526?Yes. The orthopedist would likely try out less invasive treatments before resorting to CTS injection (20526, Injection, therapeutic [e.g. local anesthetic, corticosteroid], carpal tunnel), confirms Marvel J. Hammer, RN, CPC, CCS-P, PCS, ACS-PM, CHCO, of Denver's MJH Consulting. These treatments might include, but are not limited to: splinting (or bracing) medication (non-streroidal anti-inflammatory) occupational therapy.If the patient's symptoms don't improve, the physician may then proceed with a corticosteroid [...]