Don’t let the latest orthopedic CPT changes bog you down
The year 2009 has brought with it many Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding changes and challenges. Orthopedics, the medical specialty that pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders, conditions and injuries of the skeletal system, too has witnessed a number of CPT changes.
There have been so many changes, additions and deletions in the CPT codes that they are bound to give even the most seasoned coders a run for their money.
What’s new?
The CPT 2009 changes have brought with it some good news for trauma surgeons as it includes a guideline change for codes 27215, 27216, 27217, and 27218 and 27218 identifying these pelvic bone fracture patterns as unilateral procedures. But the downside is that Medicare does not agree with it.
Mention may also be made of the instrumentation codes which were revised to support changes in codes where the instrumentation may be reported. These are only a few of the changes at this year’s CPT changes.
As an orthopedic coder, are you geared up for these challenges?
You have a tough job on your hands no doubt. But don’t let these CPT changes get on top of you. Instead, go for orthopedic coding conferences and get to know all the new CPT codes that have found their way as well as those that didn’t make it to CPT 2009 changes. These orthopedic conferences provide you with the most relevant orthopedic-specific content to help you overcome the most niggling coding and reimbursement woes.
So mastering these orthopaedic coding feats is now just a conference away!
Tags: additions, challenges, conferences, cpt changes, cpt codes, current procedural terminology, deletions, diagnosis, downside, feats, fracture patterns, instrumentation, medicare, money, no doubt, pelvic bone fracture, skeletal system, tough job, trauma surgeons, woes