Wiki Closed treatment of nasal bone fracture with stabilization 21320

[Lainie0559]

The provider treated the nasal fracture and then used Steri-Strips on the bridge of the nose for stabilization. Is it appropriate to bill 21320? I can only find where splits and nasal packing are appropriate.

Thanks in advance.

 

[nsteinhauser]

Hi Elaine,
I haven't come across anything specific in the coding literature re: what is and isn't considered 'stabilization.' Not anything to do with stabilization, but in the repair/closure section of the cpt book, using adhesive strips alone is not considered separately reportable 'closure.' If CPT doesn't allow adhesive strips for closure purposes, I'm thinking CPT won't allow adhesive strips for stabilization purposes, either. But that's just an opinion from an old coder.