Advanced Search

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Reader Question:

Tread Carefully When Dealing With Tarsal Fractures

Published on Mon Mar 05, 2012

Question: My podiatrist saw a patient in the emergency department for a non-displaced tarsal bone fracture, which did not require manipulation. Rather than applying a cast, the podiatrist placed a prefabricated short leg removable cast. I spoke with my podiatrist and the patient will not require much in the way of additional treatment. She was instructed to follow up with the orthopedist in two weeks. Can this be reported as fracture care?Wisconsin SubscriberAnswer: Yes, you can report this with code 28450 (Treatment of tarsal bone fracture [except talus and calcaneus]; without manipulation, each). In this case, the podiatrist has determined that there is a fracture, decided on the appropriate course of treatment, so he is meeting the requirements for reporting the fracture care code.However, unless they are providing the associated follow-up fracture care included in the global surgical package, be sure to append the 54 modifier to indicate you are [...]
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

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

View All