Primary Care Coding Alert

Burn treatment and level of care streamlines your coding options.Just because a patient diagnoses himself as "burned" after being in the sun too long doesn't mean you automatically choose a burn treatment code for the encounter. Here's how to know when you can legitimately submit a burn code versus an E/M service. Plan for E/M Code Up FrontMost -- but not all -- sunburn cases merit E/M codes. Example: An established patient visits the office because he's concerned about his sunburned back. The physician examines the patient's back and decides the burn is superficial and will heal on its own in a few days. The physician advises the patient to avoid lying on his back and to wear his shirt while in the sun. She recommends using a topical aloe gel to help relieve pain. Code it: The physician didn't spend a lengthy amount of time examining or counseling the patient, and [...]