Orthopedic Coding Alert
Be Careful with Supply Codes for Cervical Collar
Question: Can we code separately for fitting a cervical collar following closed treatment, or is that included in the E/M service?
Maryland Subscriber
Answer: Casting or bracing is part of the service of 22310 (Closed treatment of vertebral body fracture[s], without manipulation, requiring and including casting or bracing) and 22315 (Closed treatment of vertebral fracture[s] and/or dislocation[s] requiring casting or bracing, with and including casting and/or bracing, with or without anesthesia, by manipulation or traction).
Supply bonus: You also can bill for the collar if your practice purchases and dispenses the DME. Your most likely choices are L0120 (Cervical, flexible, nonadjustable [foam collar]), L0130 (Cervical, flexible, thermoplastic collar, molded to patient), or L0140 (Cervical, semi-rigid, adjustable [plastic collar]), depending on the type of collar used. If an otside vendor “sells” DME through the practice, then you cannot bill the supply code.
Note: You can code for the fitting if it is not for a fracture but a cervical muscle strain. This is not subsumed under closed treatment.
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