Orthopedic Coding Alert
RVU for Thermal Shrinkage
Julie Johannes, Coder
Blue Ridge Orthopedics, Clemson, SC
Answer: Our coding sources suggested checking with your physicians to find a comparable procedure and using that RVU. When identifying a comparable procedure, consider time involved, skill required, severity of illness, risk to patient as well as medical and legal risk to physician. For example, thermal shrinkage could be comparable to an open capsulorrhaphy as designated in codes 23450-23466. In Massachusetts, for example, if the repair of the capsule was for instability, the RVU may be from 28 to 32.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Open vs. Closed Fractures:
Cut the Coding Confusion
"One of the first concepts orthopedic coders learn is the difference between open and closed [...] - Avoid Audits:
Bill Cortisone Injections Carefully
Cortisone joint injections are a mainstay for orthopedic practices. Yet many are inappropriately billing injection [...] - Coding Case Study:
Coding for Shoulder Revision
Case Description
A bipolar arthroplasty of the left shoulder has failed. A [...] - Reader Questions:
Billing for Assistant Surgeons
Question: Several orthopedic seminars have stated the proper coding for assistant surgeons as being one [...] - Reader Questions:
RVU for Thermal Shrinkage
Question: I saw your question regarding Thermal Shrinkage in the February issue (page 13) of [...] - Reader Questions:
Clarification, Modifier -51 with Wrist and Finger Fractures
Question: You said on page 14 of the February 1999 issue, regarding wrist and finger [...] - Reader Questions:
Hospital Admission and Modifier -57
Question: You said (February 1999 issue, page 14) to add modifier -57 to code 99221 [...]
