Orthopedic Coding Alert
Remember Separate Code for Wrist Arthroscopy
Question: Notes indicate that the orthopedist performed an arthroplasty on a patient’s sprained right wrist. I reported 25447 and received a denial. Did I choose the wrong code? Mississippi Subscriber Answer: It appears that you probably did choose the wrong code. Under the descriptor for 25447 (Arthroplasty, interposition, intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints), CPT® states “For wrist arthroplasty, use 25332.” Therefore, you should report 25332 (Arthroplasty, wrist, with or without interposition, with or without external or internal fixation) for the arthroplasty with S63.001- (Unspecified subluxation of right wrist and hand) appended to represent the patient’s sprain. Also, remember to report modifier RT (Right side) in addition to 25332 if your payer requires laterality modifiers.
Related Articles
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Surgery:
Stay Current With Partial, Total Hip Replacement Coding Rules
Use this code when the procedure includes femoral stem, neck only. High-dollar surgeries such as [...] - Clip & Save:
Use Evidence of Prior Tx, Proper Dx to Cement Hip Replacements
Some payers want to see what you’ve done before opting for 27125, 27130. Coders that [...] - E/M Coding:
Keep New/Established Patients Straight With This Refresher
Remember, it’s not just the 3-year rule you need to apply. There is a myth [...] - You Be the Coder:
Debridements and Fracture Treatment
Question: The orthopedic surgeon is treating a patient with an open transverse radial shaft fracture. [...] - Reader Question:
Discern Diagnostic From Surgical on ACL Procedures
Question: Operative notes indicate that the surgeon performed a level-four inpatient office evaluation and management [...] - Reader Question:
Remember Separate Code for Wrist Arthroscopy
Question: Notes indicate that the orthopedist performed an arthroplasty on a patient’s sprained right wrist. [...] - Reader Question:
Get Percentages Right on Acromioclavicular Dislocations
Question: Notes indicate that the orthopedist performed a level-three evaluation and management (E/M) service for [...] - Reader Question:
Avoid Billing Workers' Comp for Non-Work E/M
Question: A 66-year-old Medicare patient came into our office after injuring an arm at the [...]
