Fracture Care vs No Fracture Care

[Sueedwards]

There is a debate going between coders here at my facility. Maybe I can get some other opinions out there:

The patient presents to the ER with injuries. The physician diagnosis the patient with a zygote and orbital wall fracture and transfers the patient by ambulance to a bigger facility in a separate town.

The ER doctor did use ice; x-rays; and pain management.

Would you code this fracture care or just the E/M level?

Thanks, Susan

 

[mitchellde]

This is not fracture care it is comfort care and patient management, therefore E&M only.

 

[Sueedwards]

Thank you Debra, that was my opinion that I was debating. I am going to print and show your answer.

 

[Sueedwards]

Not sure on that one, because I was told that the Physician has to be the one to actually put the splint on....

 

[mitchellde]

I would not unless the Er is going to assume all fracture care which includes the followup. I would bill only the ER level for the Physician, the facility will bill the splint code since it was applied by nursing staff.

 

[henrya]

Thank you to both of you for settling the debate.