Question

Are fixation codes reported in addition to the code for the treatment of the fracture? Please explain your answer and give an example

Answer 1

When your physicians perform externalfixation in fracture care, code and bill it in addition to the fracture care procedure. However, double check the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) unbundling material each time to ensure the codes you bill Medicare for external fixation are not bundled.81 is a billable ICD code used to specify a diagnosis of personal history of (healed) traumatic fracture. A 'billable code' is detailed enough to be used to specify a medical diagnosis.According to the CPT guidelines, fracture careis billed as a "packaged" service. This means that at the time of initial care, a bill is generated that includes: Treatment of thefracture. The first cast or splint application. Typical external fixator patients wear the device from four to twelve months. The severity of the problem you need reconstructed, your health, weight and other factors play a role in the length of time you will need to wear the external fixator. If you have an external fixator (a steel bar that may be used for fractures of long bones), clean it with gauze and cotton swabs dipped in your cleaning solution every day. Most people who have pins can take a shower 10 days after surgery. Ask your surgeon how soon you can shower.An external fixation device may be used to keep fractured bones stabilized and in alignment. The device can be adjusted externally to ensure the bones remain in an optimal position during the healing process. This device is commonly used in children and when the skin over the fracture has been damaged.