tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2010 Issue 10

Reader Questions: In ED, 'Without Anesthesia' Code Fits the Bill

Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of severe right elbow pain. After an expanded problem focused history and examination the physician diagnoses a closed anterior humeral elbow dislocation. The physician uses manipulation to reduce the joint, prescribes painkillers and instructs the patient to follow up with his primary care physician (PCP) in two weeks. What is the best CPT code for the reduction? Wisconsin SubscriberAnswer: The AMA's stance is that the intent of the "with anesthesia" codes is to reflect a formal process performed in the operating room As a result, you would typically use the "without...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert.

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.