Pain Management Coding Alert
Pay Attention to Detail for Limb Length Dx
PDF
Question: Notes indicate that the provider performed a level-three new patient evaluation and management (E/M) service for a patient with acquired unequal limb length. What is the proper ICD-10 code for unequal limb length? Idaho Subscriber Answer: If you're unable to get more information - specifically, the anatomy and laterality of the limb length - then you'll append M21.70 (Unequal limb length (acquired), unspecified site) to 99203 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, which requires these 3 key components: a detailed history; a detailed examination; medical decision making of low complexity ...). You should, however, scour the encounter notes for evidence of the unequal limb, as ICD-10 breaks the condition into the following diagnosis groups: Note: Once you get the correct limb, you can make your ICD-10 code even more specific by adding a sixth digit that represents the laterality of the injury. Apply the diagnosis code to the side of the body with the shorter limb. So, if a patient suffered from unequal limb length with a shorter right humerus, you'd report M21.721 (Unequal limb length (acquired), right humerus).
Related Articles
Pain Management Coding Alert
- Terminology 101:
Take this Migraine Coding Advice, Strike Dx Gold
Knowing what indicates an 'aura' could solidify code choice. Patients who report to a PM [...] - Terminology 101, Session 2:
Add these Migraine Terms to Your Arsenal for Stronger Coding
Here's what defines an intractable migraine. There is language in the ICD-10 book that can [...] - E/M Coding:
Rely on ROS Smarts for Coding Acumen
Remember, ROS has 3 levels. The review of systems (ROS) is a key component to [...] - You Be the Coder:
Remember, Different Types of Ab Pain Have Different Codes
Question: What is the correct ICD-10 code for upper-quadrant abdominal pain? Indiana Subscriber Answer: It [...] - Reader Question:
Get More Info for Evoked Potentials Code
Question: Notes indicate the PM physician performed an evoked potentials test. It was a short-latency [...] - Reader Question:
Pay Attention to Detail for Limb Length Dx
Question: Notes indicate that the provider performed a level-three new patient evaluation and management (E/M) [...] - Reader Question:
Find Injection/Infusion Evidence on Nerve Blocks
Question: After performing a level-four new patient evaluation and management (E/M) service for a patient, [...] - Reader Question:
Pinpoint Px Condition with Anxiety/Depression Smarts
Question: Our PM physician treated a patient with insomnia and documented "anxiety depression." The provider [...] - Reader Question:
Look for Previous Tx Evidence on CT Injections
Question: Three months ago, our provider saw a patient complaining of wrist pain, a burning [...]