Question: The orthopedic surgeon saw a patient in the emergency department for a medial elbow dislocation. The surgeon attempted multiple reductions without success (probably because of interposed soft tissue), so he transferred the patient to another hospital and physician for an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). What code should I report?
California Subscriber
Answer: You may report closed elbow dislocation treatment, but you will need to append a modifier to tell the full story.
On the claim, submit the following: