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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Simple Laceration Repair or E/M? The Answer Could Cost Hundreds

Published on Mon May 25, 2009

ID simple fixes, and you can code for procedure and E/M. Not recognizing a laceration repair that's included in an E/M won't cost you anything, but identifying a separately countable one could add $100 or more to your bottom line. You-ll be able to spot E/M-repair code combo scenarios, and optimize rightful reimbursement, with this expert advice. Materials Matter When IDing E/M Fixes Your ED physician will treat a lot of patients with lacerations; some will be E/M services, and some will be simple fixes, which CPT represents with 12001-12021. -An average of one in 15 emergency patients receives some form of wound care,- says James Blakeman, senior vice president at Emergency Groups Office in Arcadia, Calif. This means that every ED, regardless of location, is going to see its share of laceration repair claims. You can commit coding missteps if you just assume every laceration fix the ED performs [...]
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