Orthopedic Coding Alert
Hunt Down Styloid Codes
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should I use for a closed ulnar styloid fracture? New York Subscriber Answer: For the diagnosis, you should report 813.43 (Fracture of radius and ulna; lower end, closed; distal end of ulna [alone]). Helpful: ICD-9 lists "styloid process" under this code, indicating this is the proper code. Because the orthopedist performed a closed treatment, you should report 25650 (Closed treatment of ulnar styloid fracture). Don't get confused: If the surgeon instead documented a closed ulnar shaft (not styloid) fracture (813.22, Fracture of radius and ulna; shaft closed; ulna [alone]), you would report either 25530 (Closed treatment of ulnar shaft fracture; without manipulation) or 25535 (- with manipulation), depending on whether the surgeon performed manipulation.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- 5 Clues Help You Reap Hundreds of Dollars on Every 20692 Claim
-Olive wire- will give you the answer you need every time If your surgeons use [...] - Let This Guide Help Pinpoint 20690 and 20692 Clues
Compare uniplane and multiplane op report indicators The next time you-re struggling to determine which [...] - 2008 Update:
Did You Catch the Modifier 51 Change for 20692?
Here's the truth behind why CPT removed this code from Appendix E In CPT 2008, [...] - CPT 2008 Drives Multiple Orthopedic CCI Edit Changes
Ex fix dominates deleted edits Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 14.0, effective Jan. 1, follows [...] - Q4050 Could Boost Your Claim by $50:
Here's How
But heed payers- A and Q code preferences -- or pay the price Suppose a [...] - You Be the Coder:
Hunt Down Styloid Codes
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should I use for a closed ulnar styloid fracture? [...] - Reader Questions:
Tackle TFCC and Ulnar Abutment Coding
Question: What is the appropriate ICD-9 code for an acute triangular fibrocartilage tear and ulnar [...] - Reader Questions:
Pick Proper Pectoralis Code
Question: Which CPT code should I report for a torn pectoralis major muscle repair? South [...] - Reader Questions:
Include Notchplasty in ACL Reconstruction
Question: How should I code an arthroscopic notchplasty? The surgeon performed the procedure due to [...] - Reader Questions:
Global Period Doesn't Apply to Assistant
Question: If a neurosurgeon calls our orthopedic surgeon to the OR to assist, does the [...] - Reader Questions:
Not All 23420 Guidance Is Authoritative
Question: Are there any authoritative guidelines on when to use 23420? Rhode Island Subscriber Answer: [...] - Guest Columnist:
Douglas Jorgensen, DO, CPC: How to Query Your Surgeon for the Most Accurate Code
Put these timing tips to work for you Problem: Physicians and mid-level providers, scurrying to [...] - Do You Have a Doctor/Coder on Staff?
Another approach to making sure physicians and coders are on the same page is to [...] - Expert Advice:
Eliminate Undercoding or Pay the Price
Communication is key to avoiding both overcoding and undercoding If you undercode, you aren't being [...] - Advanced Lesson:
Do the Math to Encourage Clean Claims, Documentation
Additional procedures add up fast Suppose your surgeon performs an open reduction/internal fixation of a [...] - Quick Reference:
Bookmark This Fee Schedule Site on Your Browser
Try this efficiency booster for yourself today If you need to check a code or [...]
