Can anyone please tell me the proper code for billing of an application of an external fixator in a ASC?
Thank you!
Cheryl
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Tag Archives: Fixator
External Fixator 20693 with 20694 Same Session
Provider makes adjustments to external fixator (under anesthesia) 20693, fixes a separate fracture and at the end of the service he removes the external fixator 20694. I have run NCCI edits and these codes do not bundle. Can’t find a source that states these can’t be billed together in the same session. These appear to me as a family of codes? Would appreciate some feedback and sources to give my provider.
Thanks 
ZDX0764
External Fixator with Closed Treatment and return to OR for staged ORIF
I have a billing/coding question related to external fixator placement.
Is it commonplace to bill 20690 (uniplanar external fixator) and 27825 (closed manip tx pilon) at the initial surgery, and at the time of the definitive surgery, to bill 27827 (open tx pilon) with a 58 modifier.
The physicians thought is that the closed manipulation is a separate procedure from the external fixator, done as a separate and specific maneuver during surgery, and is a necessary step in temporizing an injury. Therefore, the closed manipulation should be coded separately, and is not inherently bundled into the external fixator code. I just need clarification and a reference, if possible.
This is not a case where fixator is applied and closed treatment did not repair the fracture, and the decision was made to return to the OR for open treatment which would be billed with a -78 modifier.
Questions I have are:
1) Is the physician meeting the global requirements of the closed procedure (number of visits required, etc.)
2) Is it acceptable to bill a patient for 2 related procedures at full reimbursement for the same fracture?
Charge for removal of an External Fixator (DigitWidget)
I would greatly appreciate guidance on the correct way to charge (or not charge) for the in-office procedure of the removal of an external fixator. It was my understanding that it would be considered part of the global if done in office, but I am being questioned that the code says "under anesthesia" that if patient is locally anesthetized this would "count" – I would appreciate any definitive guidance and where I can PRINT out and give to those who continually question… thanks so much !!