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Pediatric Coding Alert

Summer Care:

Don't Get Burned by Overlooking 16000 for Sunburn Treatment

Published on Thu Apr 01, 2010

Add almost $65 to the bank when you meet this simple criterion.Sunburns can possibly qualify for burn care instead of an  E/M service if you meet certain guidelines. Answer the "local treatment" question to potentially add $65 to your bottom line.No Extra Care Means No Extra PayRed skin -- even an area that might technically be "burned" -- doesn't automatically lead to reporting a burn treatment code.Clue: If your staff doesn't administer treatment specifically for the sunburn, you may only report an E/M code for the check. The correct code depends on the situation, but you would most likely report 99212 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...).Example: A mother brings her son to your office because of his sunburned shoulders and back. After examination, the pediatrician determines the burn is superficial and will heal on its own in a few days. He [...]
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