Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Encounter notes indicate the orthopedist performed two surgeries: closed treatment of a proximal phalanx fracture in a patient’s right index finger (with manipulation); and closed treatment of an interphalangeal articular fracture of the right ring finger (without manipulation). How should I code this encounter?

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Answer: On this claim, report:

• 26725 (Closed treatment of phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb; with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction, each) for the index finger repair
• Modifier F6 (Right hand, second digit) appended to 26725 to indicate the location of the patient’s injury
• 26740 (Closed treatment of articular fracture, involving metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint; without manipulation, each) for the ring finger repair
• Modifier F8 (Right hand, fourth digit) appended to 26740 to indicate the location of the patient’s injury.