These Frequently Asked Questions are provided to assist you with common orthopaedic coding issues. Check back monthly for updated topics.

This Month's Topic:
CPT Code Usage at the Beginning/End of a Year

	Q: If the surgeon performs a procedure on December 31 and we are reporting to the insurance company on January 3rd, do we use 2006 or 2007 CPT Codes?
	A: Good question, and one we are frequently asked. While it seems that you would use 2007 codes because the insurance company will process in 2007, the December 2006 date of service will drive the “rules engine” that the insurance company will use to process the claims. Since the date of service was in 2006, use 2006 dates of service.

Coding Corner Archive

Just click on a topic below to view the discussion:

• Code for Core Decompression of the Hip (Novemeber 2006)
• Hallux Valgus with a Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy (August 2006)
• Removal and Re-insertion of Spacer (May 2006)
• Posterolateral Fusion L1-L5 (April 2006)
• Modifier 62 (October 2005)
• Coding Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery (July 2005)
• Visit Included in Global Surgical Package or Not? (May 2005)
• Cortizone injections (April 2005)
• Athletic Trainers and Incident-To Physical Therapy (March 2005)
• Coding for Range of Motion, 95851 (February 2005)
• Conscious Sedation—Can I bill or not? Will the payors reimburse me? (January 2005)
• New vs. Established Patient (December 2004)
• Consults vs. IP Admission (November 2004)
• Skeletal Traction Application Prior to Definitive Fracture Management (October 2004)
• NPPS as Assistants at Surgery (September 2004)
• Minimally Invasive Procedures (August 2004)
• Modifier 51 versus 59 (July 2004)
  

Send an Issue or Question for Future Discussion

Email your orthopaedic coding issues and questions to fraser@fos-society.com

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