Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Bone Spur Codes
Published on Mon Feb 01, 1999
Question: What are the best codes to use for excision of spurs (other than calcaneal)?
Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Paoli, PA
Answer: This question shows the importance of a good command of medical terminology. Technically speaking, a spur is a spine-like overgrowth of bone that generally occurs on the heel (or calcaneus). Another word to describe this is called an exostosis or an abnormal bony growth on a bone. These growths can occur throughout the body so the codes will be many and varied. When searching for codes to describe the excision of a bone spur, look for codes that include the verbiage, partial excision bone (e.g., exostosis).
Other Articles in this issue of
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Maximize Reimbursement for IMEs
Orthopedic practices are often requested to perform independent medical evaluations (IME), impairment ratings for workers [...] - Correct Coding for Osteochondral Transplant
In the last several years, a number of expensive new treatments for injury or degeneration [...] - Coding Case Study:
When a Hemiarthroplasty Becomes Dislocated
Editors Note: Experts in orthopedic coding agree that successful coding in this specialty requires a [...] - Reader Questions:
Pain Control Catheter
Question: At the conclusion of a rotator cuff repair, one of our physicians placed an [...] - Reader Questions:
Thermal Shrinkage of Shoulder Capsule
Question: What code would you use for a shoulder arthroscopy with thermal shrinkage of the [...] - Reader Questions:
Core Decompression
Question: I need help finding a code for core decompression for the femoral head, performed [...] - Reader Questions:
Repair of Hand Fractures
Question: If a patient has two finger fractures, and a wrist fracture of the same [...] - Reader Questions:
Bone Spur Codes
Question: What are the best codes to use for excision of spurs (other than calcaneal)?
Orthopedic [...] - Reader Questions:
Manipulation of PIP Joints
Question: What is the correct CPT code for manipulation of the PIP joints under anesthesia [...] - Reader Questions:
Patient Seen in ER with Later Surgery
Question: After examining a patient in our emergency room, the orthopedist decided the patient would [...] - Self Audits:
Good Insurance for Avoiding Provider Audits
The increasing scrutiny from third-party payers of coding in general, particularly with Evaluation and Management [...]
View All
