Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Modifier -58 Signals 2 Reductions

Published on Thu Jan 01, 2004

Question: I attempted to reduce a dislocated hip in the emergency department, but the procedure failed. The next day I took the patient to the operating room and reduced the dislocation successfully. Should I report the reduction codes for both dates?

Kansas Subscriber Answer:  Yes, you should report the reduction codes for both dates, but you should append modifier -58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) to the code representing the second attempt.
 
If, for example, the orthopedist attempted a closed reduction without anesthesia in the emergency room and the next day performed a successful closed reduction with anesthesia in the operating room, you should report 27250 (Closed treatment of hip dislocation, traumatic; without anesthesia) on the first date and 27252-58 (... requiring anesthesia) on the second date.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All