tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2006 Issue 8

Reader Questions: Use Reduced-Services Modifier for Failed Procedures

Question: A patient came into the ED with a medial dislocation of his elbow. The physician tried to reduce the dislocation but failed. She did not use any anesthesia during the procedure. How should I report this encounter?Minnesota SubscriberAnswer: If the physician failed to reduce the injury, you will have to code for a reduced service and include a modifier. On the claim:- report 24600 (Treatment of closed elbow dislocation; without anesthesia) for the elbow reduction.- attach ICD-9 code 832.03 (Dislocation of elbow; closed; medial dislocation of elbow) to show the reason for the reduction. - ...

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