One of the first principles of coding casts, splints, and strapping is to understand when a separate code can be reported in relation to a restorative treatment or procedure code. Coders should ask themselves the following questions before reporting an initial casts/splints/strapping code:
Prepackaged or prefabricated splints are coded the same as fabricated or custom-made splints. CPT codes for application of casts, splints, or strapping do not specify the type of device or material used or the work required for applying a prefabricated or custom-made splint.
Common Casting, Strapping, and Splinting Hospital Supply Codes Supply Codes Cam walker-supply L4360 Figure 8 thumb-splint application 29130 Jones dressing-splint application 29105–29515 Knee immobolizer-splint application 29505 or L1830 16 more rows ...
You stabilize the affected extremity by applying a static, short-arm fiberglass splint and refer the patient to an orthopedist for follow-up. Since you are not providing restorative care and have referred the patient on, you can bill both for both the supplies used to make the splint as well as the application, using the following codes:
Z46. 89 - Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other specified devices | ICD-10-CM.
Encounter for other orthopedic aftercareICD-10 code Z47. 89 for Encounter for other orthopedic aftercare is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .
Immobilization of Left Lower Arm using Splint ICD-10-PCS 2W3DX1Z is a specific/billable code that can be used to indicate a procedure.
Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other specified devices. Z46. 89 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM Z46.
For example, if a patient with severe degenerative osteoarthritis of the hip, underwent hip replacement and the current encounter/admission is for rehabilitation, report code Z47. 1, Aftercare following joint replacement surgery, as the first-listed or principal diagnosis.
M17. 11 Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.
2022 ICD-10-PCS Procedure Code 0FT44ZZ: Resection of Gallbladder, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach.
Example of an ICD-10-PCS code Here is an example of what an ICD-10-PCS code looks like: 047K0ZZ. This is the ICD-10-PCS code for the dilation of a right femoral artery using an open approach.
In ICD-10-PCS the seventh character defines the qualifier – i.e., an additional attribute of the procedure, if applicable.
Per CPT guidelines, the codes for casts, strapping and splint application are included in the fracture/dislocation care codes and cannot be billed separately when fracture or dislocation care codes are billed.
CPT® 29125, Under Body and Upper Extremity Application of Splints.
ICD-10 code Z46. 89 for Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other specified devices is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .
2W3EX1Z is a valid billable ICD-10 procedure code for Immobilization of Right Hand using Splint . It is found in the 2021 version of the ICD-10 Procedure Coding System (PCS) and can be used in all HIPAA-covered transactions from Oct 01, 2020 - Sep 30, 2021 .
The ICD-10-PCS Device Aggregation Table containing entries that correlate a specific ICD-10-PCS device value with a general device value to be used in tables containing only general device values.
Based on the references above, a nonphysician who is qualified to apply a splint or cast can perform the service as long as there is an order for the service by a physician and direct supervision by the physician. CMS further defines the term “qualified practitioner” as a physician or other individual who is:
A: Yes , you can still bill for the service if the application is performed by someone other than the provider in the clinic. The American Medical Association (AMA) provided guidance on this in the April 2002 issue of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Assistant: “You will note that the reference to ‘physician’ has been retained in the clinical examples provided. This inclusion does not infer that the cast/splint/strap procedure was performed solely by the physician, as nurses or ED/orthopaedic technicians also apply casts/splints/straps under the supervision of the physician.” The narrative further explains that the use of “physician” in the clinical scenarios given is to differentiate the individual patient‒physician encounters and the procedures performed in the clinic setting.
application of splint ( 1 for doctor and one for nurse). We do not bill
A patient is diagnosed with an ankle fracture in the E.D. The physician applies a short leg cast and refers the patient to an orthopedist. If the physician applies the cast, coders should report the code for the application of the cast. If the hospital staff applies the cast, the facility will report the same code.
It is not appropriate to bill and E/M level for the nurse's splint application for the facility side. E/M levels require an MD's training and skill. There are great examples of what you can bill E/M levels for nursing visits in the back of your CPT book.
Then the splint CPT code can be appended to that, with a 25 modifier appended to the E/M. The nurse's work is captured in those codes.
There are two types of splints: static or dynamic. 2 Static splints provide full immobilization, while dynamic splints allow some movement. 3. Strapping refers to the application of overlapping strips of adhesive plaster or tape to a body part to exert pressure and hold a structure in place. 4.
1 A splint is any stiff device attached to a limb in order to discourage movement. There are two types of splints: static or dynamic. 2 Static splints provide full immobilization, while dynamic splints allow some movement. 3
One of the first principles of coding casts, splints, and strapping is to understand when a separate code can be reported in relation to a restorative treatment or procedure code. Coders should ask themselves the following questions before reporting an initial casts/splints/strapping code:
Prepackaged or prefabricated splints are coded the same as fabricated or custom-made splints. CPT codes for application of casts, splints, or strapping do not specify the type of device or material used or the work required for applying a prefabricated or custom-made splint.
Coders should report the CPT code for closed treatment of the fracture only, because cast application is integral to any definitive fracture treatment. The physician may report supplies with the appropriate Q codes.
The intent of the CPT casts/splints/strapping code series is the same for both physician and outpatient hospital reporting; however, carriers and fiscal intermediaries have established different guidelines for facilities and physicians. The following discussion outlines what is considered best practice guidelines for each setting.
The most conservative position by a Medicare carrier on the issue of CPT application codes is that these codes should be assigned only if the cast or splint is fabricated or custom-made and prepared with the materials specified in the Q codes. Therefore, if the cast or splint is prefabricated, only the evaluation and management code is assigned with a supply code. The reasoning is that the CPT application codes represent the work and expertise required for applying a fabricated or custom-made device.