Hi!
When entering CPT codes for laceration repair done in the ED, should I be adding a modifier to indicate specifically where the laceration is?
EX: 12001 – adding a modifier LT for a repair done on the left knee?
thanks!
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Tag Archives: Laceration
Coding laceration repairs with an E/M code
Can anyone share with me their thoughts on coding laceration repairs please. I work in an urgent care and there is question as whether to code an E/M with a simple, intermediate or complex laceration repair. I would think that if there are no other signs or symptoms involving the laceration repair and it is a simple repair that we would only bill the repair (whether it be dermabond or sutures) however if the laceration happened due to a fall, accident, etc. then of course we would do a work up on the patient and bill the proper E/M along with a -25 modifier. I would greatly appreciate some feed back, thank you.
Scalp Laceration Included in Craniotomy Incision
My doc did a skull fracture elevation and dural repair, and included a laceration in her incision. Am I correct that only separate lacerations can be billed? If the laceration is included in the incision, the repair is included in the craniotomy code, right? Please help!
Thanks in advance!
Laceration Repair
patient with bilateral wrist lacerations, both approx. 5cm repaired in the ED. Would you use 1 CPT adding the lengths together, or would you consider these to be 2 different anatomical sites and use the repair with both left and right modifiers?
Laceration Repair of Nail
Any ideas of how to code this? My provider is charging an E/M only but that doesn’t seem correct.
*Laceration
– Was working in the trees pruning on the job. *
– He is self employed. *
– Chainsaw slipped and caught his Middle R finger. Went through his ring finger nail as well. *
– Happened about 11:30 this morning. *
– Bled pretty good for awhile. *
– Applied peroxide and a paper towel at the time. *
– Pain is manageable.
Review of Systems
Constitutional: Negative for fever, chills and malaise/fatigue.
Neurological: Positive for weakness (In R hand. ).
Past Medical History
No past medical history on file.
*
Current Outpatient Prescriptions*
Medication* Sig* Dispense* Refill*
* lithium 300 mg capsule* Take 3 caps (total dose = 900mg) by mouth nightly at bedtime.* 90 Cap* 6*
**
No current facility-administered medications for this visit.*
*
Objective
**
Vitals
Filed Vitals:*
* 08/30/16 1425*
BP:* 135/83*
Pulse:* 70*
Temp:* 97.3 °F (36.3 °C)*
TempSrc:* Oral*
Resp:* 16*
Height:* 5′ 9" (1.753 m)*
Weight:* 188 lb 9.6 oz (85.548 kg)*
SpO2:* 98%*
Estimated body mass index is 27.84 kg/(m^2) as calculated from the following:
* Height as of this encounter: 5′ 9" (1.753 m).
* Weight as of this encounter: 188 lb 9.6 oz (85.548 kg).
Normalized BMI data available only for age 2 to 20 years.
**
BP Readings from Last 3 Encounters:*
08/30/16* 135/83*
Wt Readings from Last 3 Encounters:*
08/30/16* 188 lb 9.6 oz (85.548 kg)*
Physical Exam
Constitutional:
Healthy appearing, friendly, alert young male in NAD
HENT: *
Head: Atraumatic.
Eyes: EOM are normal.
Pulmonary/Chest: Effort normal.
Musculoskeletal:
Full ROM in right hand in all digits
Neurological:
Normal sensation in all digits
Skin:
Jagged, macerated laceration in area of dorsal area of DIP joint of 3rd digit, nail laceration to 4th
*
Assessment and Plan
*Paitient is a 26 year old male here with lacerated fingers. Tissue to macerated for repair. Laceration was anesthetized with 1% lidocaine w/o epi. Irrigated copiously with NS and explored. No signs of tendon or bony involvement. Cleaned and dressed with silvadene, topical antibiotics and pressure dressing. Nail was cleaned and dermabond was applied. Well tolerated. TdAP given. Return precautions given.