Health Information Management

Tip of the week: Always report appropriate application code

APCs Weekly Monitor, June 27, 2008

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Report a CPT code for the application of a splint regardless of whether the splint was off-the-shelf or prefabricated. This applies to the following codes:
  • 29105—Application of long arm splint, shoulder to hand
  • 29125—Application of short arm splint, forearm to hand; static
  • 29126—dynamic
  • 29130—Application of finger splint; static
  • 29131—dynamic
  • 29505—Application of long leg splint, thigh to ankle or toes
  • 29515—Application of short leg splint, calf to foot
According to AHA Coding Clinic for HCPCS, first quarter 2007, p. 9:

It would be appropriate to report a CPT code for the application of a pre-packaged splint.

No specific HCPCS Level I (CPT) codes differentiate between immobilizing devices that require little or no technical expertise or splints that are fabricated or off-the-shelf.

If a splint is applied, then the appropriate code for the splint application should be reported, CPT codes 29105–29131, 29505–29515. 
In addition, AHA Coding Clinic for HCPCS, fourth quarter 2007, p. 5, advises the following for “Application of air cast” providers:

For hospital outpatient reporting, the application of an air cast would be inclusive in the code for the visit or procedure and would not be separately reported. The appropriate HCPCS Level II code for the air cast can be reported when no restorative treatment or procedure (specific to that injury) is performed or expected to be performed. Other items such as postoperative shoes, slings, and ace bandages also do not meet the criteria for a splint application code so you should not report them separately either.

(The above tip was excerpted from the July issue of APC Answer Letter. To view the issue, click here.)



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