You are a new medical coder who works for an Orthopedic medical practice. Patients are often seen for fractures or dislocations which require either a cast or splint. A common patient encounter may be for the application of a long-arm split.
Apply your knowledge of CPT to this patient scenario.
Include the following aspects in the assignment:
Describe what a long-arm splint is and when this would be appropriate
Provide the CPT code from the Surgery section which would identify the application of a long-arm split
List the steps of how you arrived at this code and explain how this is important for reimbursement purposes
Sample Answer
Medical Coding Application: Application of a Long-Arm Splint
1. Description of a Long-Arm Splint and Appropriate Use
A long-arm splint is a medical device, typically made of materials like plaster of paris, fiberglass, or pre-fabricated thermoplastic, designed to provide support, immobilization, and alignment to the arm, elbow, and forearm. It extends from the upper arm (proximal humerus) down to include the wrist, and often includes a sling to support the hand and maintain the arm in a functional position. The splint is typically applied by a physician or qualified health care professional (e.g., an orthopedic physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) after an injury or surgery.
A long-arm splint is appropriate in situations where stabilization and/or immobilization of the elbow, forearm, or wrist is necessary, such as:
- Fractures: To immobilize fractures in the upper arm (e.g., humerus fracture), elbow, or forearm (e.g., Colles' fracture of the distal radius, forearm shaft fracture).