Internal Medicine Coding Alert
Get Specific With E Codes
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Question: When should we use E codes? Do they help us receive reimbursement?
Arizona Subscriber
Answer: Although E codes (E800-E999) don't generate revenue, you should report them in addition to the appropriate CPT and ICD-9 codes. This way, you ensure that you provide the most specific information possible regarding the patient's injury.
For instance, if a patient falls and fractures a finger, you could report E880.1 (Fall on or from sidewalk curb) to indicate that a fall from a sidewalk curb caused the injury. Use the E code in addition to the codes for the finger fracture treatment (26720, Closed treatment of phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb; without manipulation, each) and the primary diagnosis, such as 816.xx (Fracture of one or more phalanges of hand).
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