Q. We are afraid of getting denials for using unspecified ICD-10-CM [International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification] codes. In an urgent care center, we sometimes will see a particular patient only one time for minor illnesses and injuries, and follow-up with their primary-care physician is always advised. Do you have any advice on documenting to get claims paid? A. Within ICD-10-CM, you may select codes defined as “Not Otherwise Specified” (NOS). Generally, this should …
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May 2015
Rib Fractures, Joint Injections and Aspirations, Sports Physicals, and Tuberculosis Skin Tests
Q. What code do we use now to bill for closed treatment of a rib fracture? A. In 2015, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) deleted codes 21800, “Closed treatment of rib fracture, uncomplicated, each,” and 21810, “Treatment of rib fracture requiring external fixation (flail chest),” because of lack of use. You are now to report closed treatment of an uncomplicated rib fracture using an appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) code. Q. We perform many joint injections …
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