Orthopedic Coding Alert

Clip 'n' Save:

Handle Your Hand, Wrist Fracture Diagnoses With Care by Pinpointing Anatomic Site

Here's how to differentiate the tiquetrum from the trapezium. Orthopedic surgeons dealing with hand procedures don't only treat dislocations -- they also treat fractures, and it's up to you to link the correct diagnosis to the upper-extremity fracture repair code. Use the anatomic drawing below to locate the site that your surgeon addressed, and match that to the sampling of applicable ICD-9 codes in the chart at the bottom of this page. Your hand surgery claims will come out picture-perfect.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All