ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: Can you define the term strapping in relation to codes 29200-29280 and 29520-29590 (strapping, any age)? Does this include slings, wraps, and belts (rib and back)?

California Subscriber

Answer: Strapping is defined as the application of overlapping strips of adhesive tape to a body part to exert pressure on it and hold a structure in place. If the sling, wrap and/or belt is used to immobilize the area of injury, it would qualify for strapping. A splint is defined as a flexible or rigid device used to immobilize, protect and support a part of the body. Splints may be made from wood, cloth, metal or plastic, and are secured to the body part with a wrapping (gauze, tape, etc.). The physician should clearly document the intent of the application of the device to assure that you have assigned the correct code.


Sources for Reader Questions and You Be the Coder: Mandy Storman, RHIT, CPC, coding consultant for Health Information Services at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine; Penny S. Lodes, PN, CPC, president of Lodes and Associates, coding consultants in Appleton, Wisc.; Jan Loomis, director of coding and documentation at TeamHealth West, Pleasanton, Calif.; Steven J. Davidson, MD, MBA, chairman of emergency medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Robert La Fleur, MD, FACEP, president, Medical Management Specialists, management consultants in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Caral Edelberg, CPC, CCS-P, president, Medical Management Resources Inc., an emergency department coding consulting firm in Jacksonville, Fla.; and John Turner, MD, PhD, medical director for documentation and coding, healthcare financial services, at TeamHealth, an ED staffing firm in Knoxville, Tenn.