Wiki Nasal Fracture Coding

[debnance2@icloud.com]

Today we will see a patient for initial consult regarding his nasal fracture and schedule the repair. I understand that the diagnosis code for today would be initial, but what would be appropriate for the actual surgery? I don't think subsequent or sequela - would it still be initial?

 

[mitchellde]

Yes it is still initial as long as it is the active treatment, so if your surgery is yo repair the fracture then it is initial, the post op will be subsequent., if the surgery is to repair damage that was caused by the fracture such as a deviated septum then it is sequela.

 

[Amy Pritchett]

You are correct. It is still considered an initial
However, when the patient comes in for aftercare for the surgery, this will be coded as subsequent encounter saying that the physician elects to complete a procedure on the patient.