Orthopedic Coding Alert
What's the Outlook on Splint, Cast Supply Pay?
Question: We-ve been hearing that our cast and splint supply payments will go up for 2008, but we can't find any proof of this. Can you advise whether this is accurate? Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Orthopedic coders who have felt the squeeze of low reimbursement for cast and splint supply do have something to cheer about in 2008. According to CMS Transmittal 1344, effective Jan. 1, 2008, "The 2008 payment limits for splints and casts will be based on the 2007 limits - increased by 2.7 percent." You should continue to report the appropriate Q codes for splints and casts. For example, if the physician applies a-short-leg, fiberglass cast to a 69-year-old patient with fractures of the calcaneus and talus, you should report the appropriate fracture care or casting code, along with Q4038 (Cast supplies, short leg cast, adult [11 years +], fiberglass). For specific instructions and 2008 payment limits for splints and casts, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1344CP.pdf for the consultation report.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- AMA Update:
CPT 2008 Delivers Specificity With New Tenotomy, Fracture Care Codes
Plus: Mosaicplasty gains a code, modifier descriptors are overhauled CPT 2008 is the orthopedic coder's [...] - CPT 2008:
Prepare for New Modifier Descriptors in the Coming Year
Unusual or increased? Your modifier 22 use now depends on the difference The new musculoskeletal [...] - Identify Key Differences When Billing SLAP Repairs
Differentiate between 29806 and 29807 and you-ll find the right code Don't let SLAP lesion [...] - You Be the Coder:
What's the Outlook on Splint, Cast Supply Pay?
Question: We-ve been hearing that our cast and splint supply payments will go up for [...] - Reader Questions:
Know Definition of 'Maintenance Therapy'
Question: Our insurers don't allow us to pay for "maintenance therapy." But where should our [...] - Reader Questions:
Avoid Fracture Care Code Without Fx
Question: If our physician sees a patient in the office and dictates that the patient [...] - Reader Questions:
Get the Scoop on Saucerization
Question: Our surgeon performed a saucerization of the lateral discoid meniscus, but I don't know [...] - Reader Questions:
Differentiate Reconstruction From Repair
Question: Our surgeon performed a left knee medial collateral ligament reconstruction. We are looking at [...] - Reader Questions:
Report 49215 for Sacral Excision of Tumor
Question: Our physician performed a sacral tumor excision, which required him to remove the coccyx [...] - Reader Questions:
Consider Consult Codes for Inpatients
Question: One of our surgeons consulted a Medicare patient in the hospital for a recurrent [...] - Reader Questions:
OIG Will Be Watching in 2008
Question: I recently heard that the Office of Inspector General plans to focus on incident-to [...] - Guest Columnist:
Bill Mallon, MD: Speak the Language of Fractures, and Your Coding Will Improve
Know the right clinical terms, and the codes will follow Healthcare providers often discuss fractures [...]
