Pediatric Coding Alert

Tip: Your E/M usually requires 2 components --" which means more than problem focused. If you pigeonhole encounters involving suture removal as 99212s, you could be cutting yourself short -- or you could be overcharging your service. To tell whether you need to code more or less for laceration follow-up care, answer these questions. 1: Did You or a Co-Pediatrician Do the Repair Yes: If your pediatrician or a pediatrician within your group places the sutures, you cannot bill for their removal, confirms Tracy Russell, CBCS, /FONT>at Carroll Children's Center in Westminster, Md. The laceration repair code includes uncomplicated, related postoperative follow-up visits and suture removal. No: If another physician places the sutures and your pediatrician removes them, you can bill for the wound check and removal. 2: Are You Providing a 2-Day Post-ER Check?