tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2015 Issue 9

You Be the Coder: Look Beneath The Surface Before Reporting A Penetrating Trauma Code

Question: A patient presents to the emergency department after he cut the tip of his finger off while removing the grass catching attachment from his lawnmower. In addition to the E/M documentation, the chart notes read as follows: “13:51 Hemostasis: Moderate amount of left phalanx of 3rd and 4th digits. Controlled using cauterization of both digital arteries of 4th digit, gel foam. Bleeding stopped.” Can I report code 20103 for this service? Alabama Subscriber  Answer: Code 20103 (Exploration of penetrating wound [separate procedure]; extremity) is located in the Wound Exploration – trauma (e.g., penetrating gunshot, stab...

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