Orthopedic Coder’s ICD-9 Update: New Radius, Ulna Torus Fracture Codes

Posted on 03. Jul, 2009 by Editor.

Come Oct. 1, you’ll no longer will you look to 832.0 for nursemaid’s elbow.

Does your orthopedist treat children’s arm problems with regularity? If so, then you may have three new ICD-9 codes to use as of Oct. 1. Take advantage of this sneak peak at the proposed orthopedic additions, and you’ll be ahead of your peers.

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Most of the new codes will offer additional specificity to existing diseases, which can help you code more accurately. Orthopedic coders, however, had hoped for a wider range of codes, says Leslie A. Follebout, CPC, COSC, PCS, coding manager at Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates in Salisbury, Md.

For instance, you may not celebrate the addition of fifth digits to existing codes 274.0 (Gouty arthropathy) and 453.8 (Other venous embolism and thrombosis of other specified veins). You may, however, find some brand-new additions.

Here’s 3 New Codes to Use in Pediatric Cases

If your orthopedist treats pediatric patients for fractures, then you’re used to applying forearm fracture ICD-9 codes. These constitute nearly half of all childhood fractures. ICD-9 2010 may bring you two new torus fracture options: 813.46 (Torus fracture of ulna [alone]) and 813.47 (Torus fracture of radius and ulna).

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