Procedures Archives

Are we supposed to be capturing splint application for purposes of immobilization? For example, I have always coded the reposition external approach if manipulation/reduction is performed and then a splint is placed to hold them off until further surgical intervention. However, I have never coded just a splint application for immobilization purposes without reduction to hold off until surgical intervention. I hope that makes sense. Please let me know how to proceed.

Happy to help. If a splint is applied as part of another procedure (reposition closed or open), then you do not code the splint (or sling or other immobilizer). It …

Continue reading “Are we supposed to be capturing splint application for purposes of immobilization? For example, I have always coded the reposition external approach if manipulation/reduction is performed and then a splint is placed to hold them off until further surgical intervention. However, I have never coded just a splint application for immobilization purposes without reduction to hold off until surgical intervention. I hope that makes sense. Please let me know how to proceed.”

If a procedure is attempted and then aborted/unsuccessful would we still capture the procedure? Examples: Reduction not able to be successfully completed. Ultrasound not able to visualize what they were looking for.

If a procedure is unable to be completed, code to the furthest step completed. If reposition is not achieved, you could code immobilization, or traction, or inspection, whatever piece was …

Continue reading “If a procedure is attempted and then aborted/unsuccessful would we still capture the procedure? Examples: Reduction not able to be successfully completed. Ultrasound not able to visualize what they were looking for. “

I just had my second patient receive Liquid Plasma within the last 2 weeks. In my years working here, I have only had patients receive Fresh Frozen Plasma. In my research I found the following ICD PCS code-30233L1. This is the code I captured for my first patient and plan to capture for my second. Liquid Plasma is not listed under our favorite’s procedures list. I just wanted to confirm this prior to sending it out to the registrars.

Yes, the 6th character of “L” is for fresh plasma, so that is what you would use. “K” is frozen plasma. The other characters depend on other things (peripheral vein …

Continue reading “I just had my second patient receive Liquid Plasma within the last 2 weeks. In my years working here, I have only had patients receive Fresh Frozen Plasma. In my research I found the following ICD PCS code-30233L1. This is the code I captured for my first patient and plan to capture for my second. Liquid Plasma is not listed under our favorite’s procedures list. I just wanted to confirm this prior to sending it out to the registrars.”

Should external urinary systems, like condom catheters be captured as foley’s?

If you mean as a procedure code, drainage device is the 6th character, used for foley catheters, and would be appropriate for condom catheter. I would assign different codes for …

Continue reading “Should external urinary systems, like condom catheters be captured as foley’s? “

Is there a procedure code that you would know of for leech therapy?

This is a great question, and PTSF staff can’t find a specific code. We recommend root operation extraction, and then skin, or subcutaneous (whichever appropriate).

I have a patient that had an injury a week prior to coming to the hospital. The patient has a SDH and has a craniotomy 6 hours after arriving to our hospital. Please help me understand how to answer the below questions. Did patient have an abdominal, vascular, intrathoracic, or cranial surgery? Cranial Surgery…..Initial surgery > 24 hrs. My confusion is that I’m not clear if the question is asking if the surgery was performed greater than 24 hours from hospital arrival or greater than 24 hours from time of injury?

You will report “1 Yes” if the procedure was done at either the referring facility or your facility within 24 hours of injury.