Orthopedic Coding Alert
Report Only 25611 for Radius, Ulna Fractures
Question: Our surgeon wants to bill both 25611 and 25651 for a percutaneous distal radius and ulna styloid fracture fixation. The NCCI does not bundle these codes, so we believe we can report them together. Is this accurate? Kansas Subscriber Answer: No. Because 25611's descriptor (Percutaneous skeletal fixation of distal radial fracture [e.g., Colles or Smith type] or epiphyseal separation, with or without fracture of ulnar styloid, requiring manipulation, with or without external fixation) says "with or without fracture of ulnar styloid," you cannot report the ulnar styloid fracture separately. Although the National Correct Coding Initiative does not bundle 25611 with 25651 (Percutaneous skeletal fixation of ulnar styloid fracture), most insurers'computer systems will reject 25651 if you bill it with 25611.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
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How Should I Report Post-Op Care After Assist?
Question: My orthopedic surgeon performed an assist at surgery in another town, and then performed [...] - Reader Question:
V Codes Signal Aftercare
Question: Our orthopedist often asks patients to return to our office 90 days after a [...] - Reader Question:
Medicare Bundles Lidocaine Into Injection Codes - Reader Question:
Include Wound VAC Charge in E/M
Question: Our surgeons have started using a "Wound VAC system" to expedite wound healing. Which [...] - Reader Question:
11981 Is Correct for Nonabsorbent Antibiotic Beads
Question: Our orthopedist inserted a nonabsorbable antibiotic bead under the patient's subcutaneous tissue to decrease [...] - Reader Question:
Report Only 25611 for Radius, Ulna Fractures
Question: Our surgeon wants to bill both 25611 and 25651 for a percutaneous distal radius [...] - Reader Question:
Chrisman-Snook Warrants 27698
Question: Our orthopedist documented a "Chrisman-Snook Lateral Ankle Reconstruction." He also said that he harvested [...] - Reader Question:
Hip-Replacement Revision Needs -52 - Reader Question:
New or Established? 3 Years Is the Magic Timeline
Question: When a patient presents to the office for the first time after our surgeon [...] - Reader Question:
Closed Posterior Malleolus Fracture Requires an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Which CPT code should we report for closed treatment of a posterior malleolus fracture? [...]
