Orthopedic Coding Alert
Do Aircasts Differ From Splints?
Question: Does an aircast qualify as a splint? California Subscriber Answer: No. Placing a patient in an aircast and teaching him how to use it does not constitute a strapping procedure. A strapping procedure is not the same as a splint; these are two different terms.You should bill using the E/M code for the patient's visit that day (99201-99215 for outpatient visits), and you should not bill separately for the fitting. If your practice is licensed to bill for durable medical equipment (DME), you can bill for the aircast using L4350 (Ankle control orthosis, stirrup style, rigid, includes any type interface [e.g., pneumatic, gel], prefabricated, includes fitting and adjustment). Note that this code includes the fitting and adjustment, so simply applying the aircast would not justify reporting an E/M code along with L4350, unless you also diagnosed the patient that day or treated a separate condition as well.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- X-ray coding:
Boost Your Bottom Line By Reporting X-Rays During the Global Period
Warning: Depending on how many x-rays you write off, you could be losing thousands.Myth: X-rays that [...] - Coding Tips:
Consider debridement a separate procedure from 26500 only when gross contamination requires prolonged cleansing. Documentation [...] - Documentation:
Watch Out: Nurse's History Note Might Be Audit Bait
The physician must indicate that he or she reviewed any nurse's notes.Warning: Don't let your [...] - Unlisted Procedures:
Reporting Unlisted Codes Doesn't Have to Be Painful
Follow the experts' guidance to getting these claims reimbursed.CPT doesn't always match up with what [...] - PECOS:
Avoid Rejected Claims by Becoming PECOS-Certified
Medicare postpones July 6 implementation and works to streamline enrollment process.You don't have to worry [...] - You Be the Coder:
Defer to Payer for Cervical, Thoracic Decision
Question: Would the C7/T1 interspace be considered cervical? Michigan Subscriber Answer: Yes. The C7-T1 disc [...] - Reader Questions:
1 Code Covers a Day's Work in Discharge
Question:When our physicians discharge patients from the hospital, is 99238 the only code we should [...] - Reader Questions:
Appeal When Payers Don't Recognize 59
Question:I have difficulty collecting for arthroscopy of the glenohumeral joint (29822) when I also perform [...] - Reader Questions:
Combine ED Visit With Admission
Question:When our orthopedist admits a patient to the hospital after-hours from the emergency department (ED), [...] - Reader Questions:
Do Aircasts Differ From Splints?
Question:Does an aircast qualify as a splint?California Subscriber Answer:No. Placing a patient in an aircast [...]
