Labs, X-rays could be part of ED E/M. Arthrocentesis, commonly known as joint drainage or joint injection, is routinely performed in emergency departments (EDs). This procedure helps diagnose various joint-related conditions and deliver therapeutic treatments. Sometimes, the best way to [...]
Question: Encounter notes indicates that the surgeon performed a laminectomy with exploration of the cauda equina on a pair of vertebral segments. The patient had a diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. How should I report this encounter? Idaho Subscriber Answer: There are [...]
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the physician treated a patient with “cystic meniscus, R knee.” How do I choose an ICD-10 code for this condition? AAPC Forum Subscriber Answer: While you’ve got two-thirds of the diagnosis already in the notes, finding that [...]
This ‘general’ code set contains several very particular codes. You would be forgiven if you assume that the codes included in the M48.- (Other spondylopathies) would be pretty general. The truth isn’t so straightforward, however. Facts: The M48.- code set [...]
Here’s why you need to mind particulars when using this ‘general’ code set. Considering its descriptor, you’d assume that the codes included in the M48.- (Other spondylopathies) would be pretty general. That’s not the case, though. Contained in M48.- are [...]
Particulars are vital on this ‘general’ code set. With a pretty generic descriptor, you might think that the codes included in the M48.- (Other spondylopathies) family would be catch-all codes. if anything, the reverse is true. Why? M48.- contains eight [...]
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed a 41-minute office evaluation and management (E/M) service for a new patient with left knee pain. The orthopedist orders “x-ray, knee, arthrography w/supervision/interp.” Final diagnosis was staphylococcal arthritis of the right knee. How [...]
Hint: Patients may require multiple encounters before the provider pinpoints a Dx. A patient exhibiting signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis may visit your provider’s office numerous times and receive various diagnostic tests. Coders, therefore, need to nimbly navigate the [...]
Pain in spine or extremities? It could be spinal stenosis. Patients who have symptoms of spinal stenosis, but no diagnosis, are the type of patients you might see at your practice. Why? Your provider will often be the one to [...]
Symptoms typically include pain in spine, extremities. Patients who need treatment for spinal stenosis are the type of patients you might see a lot in the orthopedist’s office. Why? Your orthopedist will need to diagnose and treat the condition, which [...]
