tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2010 Issue 5

You Be the Coder: Reporting Incomplete Lumbar Punctures

Question: A 62-year-old male patient reports to the ED via ambulance. The emergency medical technician (EMT) tells the physician that the patient blacked out briefly and fell, prompting a 911 call. In the ambulance, the patient was complaining of a stiff neck and a "bad headache." The EMT also says that the patient has a temperature of 102 degrees. The physician performs a level-five E/M service. Suspecting meningitis, she performs a lumbar puncture. Unfortunately, the physician was not able to obtain any fluid during the procedure. Can I still code for the lumbar puncture?California SubscriberAnswer: You may...

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