AR2728
Expert
When a patient presents and is first simply diagnosed as sprain but, due to continued pain at future visit(s) is sent for a MRI. The MRI then reveals a fracture, not simply sprain. At this point, would I now code the fracture with an A as well since this is the initial visit directed at the true fracture or D since this injury was treated previously but was believed to be a sprain? Does it matter if the course of treatment doesn't change? In some cases, they were previously placed in walker boot for sprain and will remain in a walker boot for fracture.
Please give me your thoughts and insight. I struggled with this as, like many, was informed multiple times that a new physician automatically means use an A. Although this didn't make sense in cases such as, suture removal for a healed laceration when ER placed sutures-this is not active treatment-the wound is healed.
Please give me your thoughts and insight. I struggled with this as, like many, was informed multiple times that a new physician automatically means use an A. Although this didn't make sense in cases such as, suture removal for a healed laceration when ER placed sutures-this is not active treatment-the wound is healed.