You Be the Coder: Consider this example

Question:

A 67-year-old female presents to the ED after falling off a three-step ladder. After a level 3 E/M service and review of radiographs, the physician determines that the patient sustained a non-displaced fracture of the distal left ulna. Due to the swelling, the physician applies a plaster molded splint for immobilization and protection of the fracture. The patient is then referred to an orthopedic clinic for follow-up treatment and casting in two days.

Answer:

You should code this scenario as a splinting procedure. On the claim:

Report 99283 (Emergency department visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires [...]

- Published on 2012-01-16