Wiki Splints, strapping after injections

[kenbeckman]

It is clear that the first cast/splint etc is included in the global fee for care of fractures and dislocations. What is confusing is whether or not a splint or strapping may be billed when the individual recieves a treatment that only consists of an injection (usually steroid). The CPT instructions before the section starting at 29000 uses the term treatment (or restorative treatment) and the term procedure, but also makes reference to the first cast/splint or strap application included in the fracture and dislocation codes. It also references reporting the service when no other procedure or treatment is performed and in parentheses lists surgical repair, reduction of a fracture or joint dislocation.
CPT Assist does not seem to address this.

Bottom line for the ortho coding experts: If a patient recives an injection as the 'treatment' can one separately bill for strapping or splint application? Is there any authoratative source one can quote regardless of the answer?

PS. Insurance claim processing software programs often deny the strapping/splinting as inclusive to (bundled) into the injection.

 

[nyyankees]

It is clear that the first cast/splint etc is included in the global fee for care of fractures and dislocations. What is confusing is whether or not a splint or strapping may be billed when the individual recieves a treatment that only consists of an injection (usually steroid). The CPT instructions before the section starting at 29000 uses the term treatment (or restorative treatment) and the term procedure, but also makes reference to the first cast/splint or strap application included in the fracture and dislocation codes. It also references reporting the service when no other procedure or treatment is performed and in parentheses lists surgical repair, reduction of a fracture or joint dislocation.
CPT Assist does not seem to address this.

Bottom line for the ortho coding experts: If a patient recives an injection as the 'treatment' can one separately bill for strapping or splint application? Is there any authoratative source one can quote regardless of the answer?

PS. Insurance claim processing software programs often deny the strapping/splinting as inclusive to (bundled) into the injection.

If the injection and strapping are in the same location then the answer is no. AAOS CodeX has a piece on this.