Tag Archives: orthopedic
Orthopedic Coding Clinic: Labral Tears
Posted on 28. Jan, 2010 by Editor.
10-2:00 in the op note signals SLAP lesion repair.
Even experts can land on the wrong ICD-9 code for SLAP lesion repair, but visualizing the injury region as a clock will help you distinguish one type of SLAP (superior labral…
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Pain Management Coding Update: Facet Joint Injection CPT Changes for 2010
Posted on 29. Oct, 2009 by Editor.
Pain management, anesthesia, orthopedic, physiatry & neurology coders get ready for a facet joint codes shift that preps for ICD-10.
The 2010 version of CPT attempts to organize the facet joint injection codes by deleting 64470-64476 and debuting 64490- 64495…
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ASC Coding Education: Knee Diagnoses & Procedures
Posted on 18. Oct, 2009 by Editor.
Choose this ICD-9 code if you see ‘jumper’s knee’ in the orthopedic surgeon’s note.
Here’s a handy introduction to common ICD-9 codes related to the knee, along with examples of CPT codes for procedures physicians perform to treat knee diagnoses.…
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Orthopedic Coding Quick Start Guide: ASC Shoulder Procedures
Posted on 11. Oct, 2009 by Editor.
Shoulder ICD-9 and CPT codes you’ll most likely see in the orthopedic ASC setting — explained.
If you’re an orthopedic coder, you don’t have to shoulder your shoulder coding burdens alone. We’ve rounded up a handy reference list of shoulder…
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Orthopedic Coder’s Anatomy: The Hip
Posted on 26. Sep, 2009 by Editor.
These key terms make coding for hip procedures easier and more accurate.
If you think your hip is that thing jutting out at you in the mirror, your nomenclature needs a rehaul to ensure you’re nailing the correct codes. Coding…
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Test Yourself: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Coding
Posted on 20. Sep, 2009 by Editor.
Can you tackle an op note like this one we got our hands on? Relax. We help you break it down into 3 steps.
Although you may be accustomed to TKR op notes, an unusual case might send you into a…
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Steer Clear of This Modifier 22 Mistake
Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by Editor.
Question: Our orthopedist did a right knee arthroscopy with extensive tricompartmental synovectomy, partial medial menisectomy, and chondroplasty of patella and femoral trochlea. I’m using 29876, 29881, and G0289 — but I’m not sure if G0289 is right. Also, when the…
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Spinal Surgery Coding Challenge: Tethered Cord Release & Dural Tag Removal
Posted on 14. Aug, 2009 by Editor.
Question: My neurosurgeon released a tethered cord under the microscope, then excised a dural tag and sent it to pathology. Can we be reimbursed for both services, or are they inclusive?
Answer: The procedure removes adhesions (tags) from the dura…
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ICD-9 Coding Tool for Hand, Wrist Fractures
Posted on 31. Jul, 2009 by Editor.
Here’s how to differentiate the tiquetrum from the trapezium.
Orthopedic surgeons dealing with hand procedures don’t only treat dislocations — they also treat fractures, and it’s up to you to link the correct diagnosis to the upper-extremity fracture repair code.
Use the…
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Weber B Fracture Repair: 27786, 27788 or 27792?
Posted on 24. Jul, 2009 by Editor.
Question: Which CPT and ICD-9 codes should we report when the surgeon dictates a Weber B fracture repair?
Answer: Depending on whether the surgeon performed an open or closed repair, you should select a code from the following range for…
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PRC Coding: Put Your Finger on Proximal Row Bones
Posted on 20. Jul, 2009 by Editor.
Question: Our surgeon performed a proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and circled code 25215. That code refers to all the bones in the proximal row, though, and he only dictated working on four bones. Aren’t there five bones in the proximal…
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What’s the ICD-9 Code for TFCC?
Posted on 08. Jul, 2009 by Editor.
Question: What Dx code should we use for TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) of the wrist?
Answer: Is the injury acute? If not, you should report 718.03 (Articular cartilage disorder; forearm) rather than an acute code. If so, report 842.01 (Sprains…
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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…
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Orthopedic Coding Clinic: Pull the Plug on PRP Injection Denials
Posted on 22. Jun, 2009 by Editor.
Here’s where 86999 comes in.
If your orthopedist is performing platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections with surgical reconstructions and you’re looking for a way to report this, you may be making your life more difficult than it should be. Most…
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Bone Up On ASC Orthopedic Coding With These Global Period, Modifier Tips
Posted on 29. May, 2009 by Editor.
3 ways your physician claim better look different than a center claim.
Think the same post-op and incomplete procedure modifiers apply regardless of whether you’re coding for an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) or a physician? Save…
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Orthopedic Coding Clinic: Complete the ICD-9 Picture with These Tips
Posted on 23. Apr, 2009 by Editor.
Code the condition your ortho treats first, followed by co-morbidity.
If you think you can bill only one diagnosis code per claim, you could be unintentionally sending your claim to limbo land. Find out how your ICD-9…
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10 Steps to Error-Free Injury Claims
Posted on 13. Apr, 2009 by Editor.
Capture every allowed procedure with these tips.
Injuries won’t be able to lurk in documentation and remain unpaid due to lack of modifiers if you keep this payment success recipe handy. To get the most from your…
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Rotator Cuff Repair Coding: Catch the Arthroscopy Every Time
Posted on 09. Apr, 2009 by Editor.
Acute or chronic? A $60 difference is at stake.
If you’re not pinpointing where the orthopedic surgeon began a shoulder surgery, you could be overlooking separately reportable pre-repair procedures.
More shoulder coding tips from Annette Grady.…
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Take Our Multi-Level Spinal Surgery Coding Challenge
Posted on 07. Apr, 2009 by Editor.
AUDIO TRAINING EVENT: Receive Optimum Reimbursement for Spinal Co-Surgeries, with Lynn Anderanin.
Multiple procedures on different spinal levels during the same session not only mean multiple codes but modifiers, too. Make the grade on your next spinal surgery…
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Coder’s Anatomy: Greenstick Fracture
Posted on 16. Mar, 2009 by Editor.
Greenstick Fracture: This type of fracture is usually found in children because their bones are softer than adults. A greenstick is an incomplete fracture that leaves a partial break, often on an angle.
It is a closed fracture.
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