Orthopedic Coding Alert
Start Using Your New Diagnosis Codes on Oct. 1
Deletion reminder: ICD-9 will delete the unspecific code 996.4 (Mechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft) to make room for more detailed codes. Therefore, Medicare and many other payers will deny claims with 996.4 listed on them.
For more information on the new diagnosis codes, check out our article -New Diagnosis Codes Eliminate Ambiguity When You Report Prosthesis Complications - in the July issue of Orthopedic Coding Alert.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- 3 Strategies Help You Code Bone Biopsy Procedures Correctly
You may be able to report both lesion biopsy and excision If your insurer's policy [...] - 2 Sites, 2 Line Items:
Know the Lower-Extremity MRI Rules
Make the most of modifiers for leg-joint imaging reports Even if you-re familiar with coding [...] - You Be the Coder:
Do ACE Bandages Qualify as Strapping?
Question: A patient sprained his thumb MP joint while playing youth football. The orthopedist asked [...] - Say Goodbye to Confirmatory Consult Codes in 2006
CPT will revamp consult coding next year You can forget the rules you learned about [...] - ICD-9 Reminder:
Start Using Your New Diagnosis Codes on Oct. 1
Orthopedic coders cheered earlier this year when ICD-9 2006 introduced nine new prosthesis or implant [...] - Reader Questions:
Pain Pumps May Not Be Billable
Question: Our surgeon performs multi-level posterior and anterior spinal fusion surgeries for scoliosis and he [...] - Reader Questions:
Report Digital Blocks, but Not With Surgery
Question: When is it appropriate to report a digital block? Is it always bundled?
New York [...] - Reader Questions:
Confirm Spinal Block Location for Fluoro
Question: Can I report fluoroscopy in conjunction with pain management blocks? If so, which code [...] - Reader Questions:
Report Limited EMG for Fewer Than 5 Muscles
Question: What are the guidelines for reporting electromyography codes 95860-95864? How do these codes differ [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to Modifier 58 for Double Fracture Care
Question: Last week, our surgeon reduced a patient's distal radius fracture and we charged code [...] - Reader Questions:
Avoid Trigger Point Codes for Trochanteric Bursa
Question: How should I code injection of trochanteric bursa and sacral crest? My orthopedic surgeon [...] - Guest Column:
David V. Janeway, MD--Tennis and Golfers' Elbow: They're Not Just the Participant's Problem Anymore
The surgeon's notes will give you a hint about the right codes to report If [...] - Benchmarking Update:
Compare Your Elbow Surgery Code Utilization to Others'
You-ve charted your E/M code usage against averages--now take the next step
In the July Orthopedic [...] - Clip and Save:
Use This Elbow Surgery Benchmarking Data as Your Guide When Comparing Fasciotomy Usage
Medicare data reveals the most frequently reported elbow surgery codes Tally up your practice's elbow [...]
