Wiki Burn Care coding help

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Ronilynn

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If a patient comes in for a third visit to check on their burn, but we do not do a debridement again, can we charge an office visit because the burn codes we use do not have a global period? I think we can, but there is some disagreement in our office, so trying to clarify. Appreciate any input! Thanks!
 
I would think you could charge 16020-16030 (depending upon TBSA; sm, med, lg). Notice the wording states, dressings and/or debridement of partial thickness burns, initial or subsequent.

You'll also have to document a dressing change (if one was done) to qualify to use these CPT codes. If there is no debridement and no dressing change, then an office visit would seem appropriate (just make sure about documentation of the encounter).

The burns that are being treated have to be partial thickness, too, not just 1st degree burns (covered by CPT 16000).

Sorry about all the (parenthesis) :)

You may want to check out CPT Assistant, October 2012, Volume 22, Issue 10 for a boatload of info about burn treatment.


Sue, CPC, CCS-P
 
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