MultiSpecialty Round-up: Orthopedics

Why This Topic Matters

Orthopedic practices need to keep billing systems current when temporary drug codes are replaced and to code comparative imaging consistently with Medicare guidance. This article helps readers identify the affected code set changes and the general compliance issue involved in comparison radiographic studies.

Article Sections

1. Hyalgan Q codes gone, replaced with J codes

   Covers a 2008 HCPCS update affecting hyaluronate injection drugs used in orthopedic practice. The section summarizes the transition from temporary codes to permanent J codes and notes the CMS source for the change.

2. More orthopedic coding

   Addresses general orthopedic coding issues beyond the drug code update. The section discusses comparison radiology studies and references Medicare guidance and modifier use at a broad level.

3. Deleted code / New 2008 code / Descriptor table

   Presents the side-by-side code update table for the affected HCPCS drug entries. The table links deleted temporary codes to the new 2008 codes referenced in the article.