Orthopedic Coding Alert
Repair of Hand Fractures
Maureen E. Gaiser, Office Manager
John L. ODonnell, M.D., Orchard Park, NY
Answer: The wrist fracture is the major procedure so it would be coded first (add a HCPCS modifier LT or RT to show whether the wrist fracture is on the left side or right side). The finger fractures can be reported separately (on different lines) and modified using a HCPCS modifier F1-F4 (left hand, _digit) or F5-F9 (right hand, _digit), which shows which side and which finger is fractured. Also, the modifier -51 for multiple procedures should be attached to the finger fractures, since all fractures have global follow-up days. Utilizing modifiers can help deter claims denials and get maximum reimbursement.
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