Orthopedic Coding Alert
Remember 2008 Supartz Switch
Question: How should I report Supartz injection in the right knee? Arizona Subscriber Answer: You should report the injection with 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa). Watch out: If you bear the cost of the Supartz, you should also report J7321 (Hyaluronan or derivative, Hyalgan or Supartz, for intra-articular injection, per dose). HCPCS replaced Q4083, which had the same descriptor, with J7321 in 2008. Tip: Likely diagnosis codes include those in the 715.xx range (Osteoarthritis and allied disorders). -- Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, director of orthopedic coding services at The Coding Network LLC; and Bill Mallon, MD, orthopedic surgeon and medical director at Triangle Orthopaedic Associates in Durham, N.C.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- CCI 14.1:
Cut This Osteotomy Code Out of Your 0171T Claim to Prevent Payment Delays
Plus -- edits take aim at palm and finger excisions The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) [...] - News You Can Use:
Beef Up Pay for Bilateral Peripheral Nerve Injection
The latest CCI edits aren't the only April 1 change affecting you Reimbursement for many [...] - Elbow in Focus:
Clean Up Your Collateral Ligament Claims -- Here's How
Does 841.0 belong with 24346? This terminology tip clears the confusion You-ve got your work [...] - Clip and Save:
Use This Diagram to Elbow Aside Collateral Ligament Snafus
Boost your coding proficiency with this at-a-glance tool When you-re coding elbow collateral ligament repairs, [...] - E/M Corner:
Keep Your Accuracy Rate High -- Inpatient Coding Tip
Hint: Fight the temptation to equate ICU with critical care Critical care codes sport higher [...] - You Be the Coder:
See if Plantar Fasciitis Visit Earns E/M
Question: A patient returns for re-evaluation of her plantar fasciitis and a second cortisone injection [...] - Reader Questions:
Navigate 20985 With Patient Discussion
Question: We-ve been getting denials for navigation code 20985. Should we be doing something differently? [...] - Reader Questions:
Keep Track of Refills for E/M
Question: May we bill an insurance carrier for a prescription refill outside the global period, [...] - Reader Questions:
Check Out Same-Specialty Consult Guidance
Question: In our orthopedic practice we have two family practice physicians who are board-certified in [...] - Reader Questions:
Second Spacer Takes 27299
Question: The surgeon removed an infected spacer and inserted a new spacer at the same [...] - Reader Questions:
Code Consult, X-Ray and Injection
Question: Our orthopedic surgeon performed a consult for a new patient who has had left [...] - Reader Questions:
Verify Whether Op Report Should Say 'Open'
Question: Which CPT code should I report for this physician's note? He documented: Left shoulder [...] - Reader Questions:
Include 28232 in 28285?
Question: How should I report arthroplasty and flexor tenotomy of the left fourth toe? New [...] - Reader Questions:
Remember 2008 Supartz Switch
Question: How should I report Supartz injection in the right knee? Arizona Subscriber Answer: You [...]
