Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: What are the keys to deciding when to report splinting and when to report strapping?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: If you master a few important differences between the two, you should be able to ace splinting and strapping coding, which CPT lists in the 29000-29799 range (Application of casts and strapping).

Strapping: Strapping involves layers of tape, web roll and possibly an Ace bandage, according to clinical conventions. The patient retains some range of motion, but strapping's non-rigid materials do support the joint.

Splinting: Splinting once involved plaster and fiberglass. Now, off-the-shelf, pre-made plastic products are widely available. They-re more rigid and provide greater support with less freedom and a smaller range of motion.

Potential pitfall: You can't report 29000-29799 to Medicare unless your physician applies the splint or strap. The physician must also provide the initial splint or strap, or replace it, and you can't report fracture care for the same injury if you want to report a 29000-29799 code.