Orthopedic Coding Alert

Tip: Your doc's documentation can help you fight potential denials.CPT does not include a code specifically for femoral head resurfacing (FHR), which means selecting the most appropriate code can be tricky. All isn't lost, however, when you know how to pick the correct diagnosis and ensure your surgeon practices clear documentation.Assign the Best DiagnosisFrom a coding perspective, the hip consists of four regions: the acetabulum, femoral head, femoral neck, and trochanteric region. And although the femoral head is only approximately 2 inches long, ICD-9 includes four separate choices for closed femoral neck fractures:• 820.00 -- Transcervical fracture, closed; intracapsular section, unspecified• 820.01 -- ... epiphysis (separation) (upper)• 820.02 -- ... midcervical section• 820.03 -- ... base of neck.The more specific your orthopedist is with his diagnosis,the more specific you can be with your coding. Choose Your Code CarefullyMany patients with osteonecrosis (733.4x, Aseptic necrosis of bone ...) are under age 50, which makes total [...]