Orthopedic Coding Alert

Heres why youll apply modifier 51 but forgo using modifier 59. On a multi-traumatic injuries claim, you can obtain the highest ethical pay provided you follow this simple strategy: start with the most expensive procedure and work down, regardless of what your orthopedist performs first. See if you can do it in the following scenario. First, Read These Notes A 21-year-old male who was struck by an automobile while riding his bicycle presents to the ED with a serious crush injury to the left lower extremity with massive swelling, ecchymosis, loss of sensation in the foot, and tightness of all four lower leg compartments and of the foot. He also complains of left elbow and shoulder pain. X-rays reveal a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture, left calcaneal fracture, left radial head fracture, and clavicle fracture. The orthopedist admits the patient. The patient undergoes immediate surgery to stabilize his fracture and treat [...]