Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our orthopedist performed closed treatments on two vertebral compression fractures and a right rib fracture, and then referred the patient for physical therapy. How should we code these services?

California Subscriber

Answer: You should report 22310 (Closed treatment of vertebral body fracture[s], without manipulation, requiring and including casting or bracing) for the vertebral compression fracture treatments. Although your physician treated two vertebral fractures, you should report this code only once because it cites treatment of "fracture(s)" rather than a single fracture.

You should report 21800-51 (Closed treatment of rib fracture, uncomplicated, each; Multiple procedures) for the rib fracture treatment.

You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, coding and reimbursement manager at University Orthopaedic Associates in New Brunswick, N.J.