Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Do Aircasts Differ From Splints?

Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005

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. 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.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All