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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader questions:

Recasting During Global Period Is Legit

Published on Fri Jan 01, 2010

Question: A patient presented with a fractured ankle, which our orthopedist treated. We reported the appropriate fracture code. The patient returned for recasting within the global period. Can we charge for the recasting? Texas Subscriber Answer: Yes, you can bill for recasting in the postoperative period. Your code will depend on the type of cast your physician applies, such as 29405 (Application of short leg cast [below knee to toes]) or 29425 (...walking or ambulatory type). Don't miss: Add modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) to the cast application code to indicate the service is related to the fracture repair surgery.
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