Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: What are the keys to deciding when to report splinting and when to report strapping?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: If you master a few important differences between the two, you should be able to ace splinting and strapping coding, which CPT^® lists in the 29000-29799 range (Application of casts and strapping).

Strapping: Strapping involves layers of tape, web roll and possibly an Ace bandage, according to clinical conventions. The patient retains some range of motion, but strapping’s non-rigid materials do support the joint.

Splinting: Splinting once involved plaster and fiberglass. Now, off-the-shelf, pre-made plastic products are widely available. They-re more rigid and provide greater support with less freedom and a smaller range of motion.

Potential pitfall: You can’t report 29000-29799 to Medicare unless your physician applies the splint or strap. This is important, because occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), or O/P HCPs put on most of the off-the-shelf pre-made things. The physician must also provide the initial splint or strap, or replace it, and you can’t report fracture care for the same injury if you want to report a 29000-29799 code.