Orthopedic Coding Alert

Tip: Let the surgeon determine whether the condition is acute versus chronic. If you choose the wrong code for subluxations/dislocations, lingering pain, or acute/chronic conditions, you could face a denial and potentially cost your practice time and money. Check out the following three scenarios. Our experts will identify problem areas and then offer the solutions that will help hone your ICD-9 coding. Pick Apart Subluxation, Dislocation Terminology Scenario 1: Your orthopedist saw an infant with developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH). He documented the baby's problem with the terms -subluxation- and -dislocation.- Your ICD-9 book doesn't include a diagnosis code for DDH. You do have separate subluxation and dislocation diagnosis codes, however. Problem: What is the difference between subluxation and dislocation? Which code applies more?  Solution: First, you need to dig into your terminology. Subluxation: Subluxation describes a partial or incomplete dislocation, meaning that the patient has suffered partial loss [...]