Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Removal of External Fixator
Published on Mon Nov 01, 1999
Question: We are having a problem receiving reimbursement for removal of external fixator (20694). Weve called Blue Cross/Blue Shield Inquiry Department and they say this should be a payable procedure, but we still havent received payment for this procedure code.
Debbie Hill
Lansing, MI
Answer: Unfortunately, if you are the practice that placed the fixator, you may not bill for removal, because it is included in the global for the original procedure.
Other Articles in this issue of
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- CPT 2000 Spells Few Orthopedic Coding Changes
The updated Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) manual, CPT 2000, published by the American Medical Association, [...] - Coding Analysis:
Spinal Surgery
This month, we will analyze a spinal surgery that includes arthrodesis (fusion), diskectomy, and instrumentation. [...] - Coding for ACL Repair and Microfracture Chondroplasty
"Orthopedic surgeons often perform anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair and chondroplasty (to close a lesion [...] - Satisfying Medicare for Office Visit and Injection Coding
A Medicare patient visits an orthopedic surgeons office for preoperative care that requires an injection. [...] - How to Code for Claviculectomy
Shoulder pain associated with adduction activitiese.g., golf swing, carrying a heavy tray above the shoulder [...] - Reader Questions:
Injection Codes 64440 and 64441
Question: 1. A patient was given an injection at C-7 cervial region, T-2 thoracic region, [...] - Reader Questions:
Removal of External Fixator
Question: We are having a problem receiving reimbursement for removal of external fixator (20694). Weve [...]
View All
