Medical Coding for Orthopedics No matter how orthopedic specialists describe their specific practice, general orthopedic surgeon, orthopedic surgeon specialist, or general orthopedic surgeon with a specialty interest, coding demands relative to this specialty field are defined by a need for well-informed, refined skills which are extremely perceptive in nature. The scope of any orthopedic practice revolves around injuries, congenital deformities or abnormalities, and diseases concerning the musculoskeletal system which calls for a mastery of field specific terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology in order to competently render the most accurate and relevant data related to each and every procedure, diagnostic measure, and evaluation. Correctly interpreting information and applying proper codes, modifiers, and extensions serves to help create and maintain a proper revenue stream for the practice by eliminating claim rejections and denials. Orthopedic specialist coders provide an invaluable service in terms of assuring regulatory compliance and an exemplary work product that …show more content…
The implementation of ICD-10 brought with it 264 new codes, 143 deleted, and 134 revised codes that apply to coding for an orthopedic practice. This is in addition to new rules related to modifier 59 and the introduction of the applicable modifiers XU, XE, XP, and XS. There are also changes with regard to the way that injuries and diseases are classified, a new focus on laterality, and revisions to relevant terminology. Noted required documentation specifics: Laterality, site specificity, encounter type (initial, subsequent, consulting, operative, post-op), combination codes (there are only a few combination codes utilized in orthopedic procedures, i.e. M54.4 lumbago with sciatica), and place of occurrence