Orthopedic Coding Alert

You won't find specific guidelines for moving to the next treatment level. When a patient's carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) treatment stretches into extended care, don't let carriers' strict guidelines stop rightful reimbursement in its tracks. Train your providers to document medical necessity by carefully outlining the condition's progressive nature. Myth #1: Treatments Are of Only 1 Variety Reality: Physician use a range of treatments for CTS patients. "Ultimately non-invasive treatments can become invasive when the non-invasive treatments are nonresponsive," says Catherine Nolin, CPC, ASC/Surgical Coder for Central Maine Orthopaedics in Auburn. Depending on the severity of the condition, initial treatment may be conservative. It can include having the patient change activities, wear a soft splint, undergo physical therapy or take anti-inflammatory medications. If the patient fails to respond to these more conservative treatments, however, your physician might administer injections to relieve the patient's discomfort, such as 20526 (Injection, therapeutic [e.g., local [...]