Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: My orthopedist saw a patient still under her global period for open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral shaft/neck fractures. During the first post-op visit, the physician applied a posterior fiberglass splint from shoulder to just above the elbow. Should I use 29105 with modifier 52? Or is this service included? South Carolina Subscriber Answer: Yes, you should report 29105 (Application of long arm splint [shoulder to hand]) with modifier 52  (Reduced services). A cast or splint change during the global period is not part of the global package, and you can separately bill it. This is a new splint your physician is applying a day or more after the initial fracture management started. Keep in mind: Some payers want modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician  during the postoperative period) appended to the cast/ splint code, because these codes fall in CPT's  surgery [...]