Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Sort Out This ER, Then Assumed Care Scenario

Published on Sat Aug 01, 2009

Question: My orthopedist treated a patient who was first seen in the ER for an open fracture with laceration overlying the distal finger phalanx. The ER physician sutured the wound. When the patient arrives in our office, the orthopedist does an E/M service and assumes the care of the wound in addition to the fracture care. Should I report our orthopedist's E/M service or does that qualify as double-dipping? New Hampshire Subscriber Answer: If your orthopedist didn't do anything in addition to treating the fracture (such as splinting, casting, and so on), then you should bill the E/M service (such as 99214, Office or other outpatient visit ...). You might try applying modifier 55 (Postoperative management only), but you need to make sure the service the ER physician performed has more than a "0" day global. Many wound repair codes are minor procedures that have 10 day global periods. If [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All