Step-By-Step Medical Coding Chapter 15: Musculoskeletal System

fractures are coded by these treatments

open, closed, percutaneous

closed treatment

physician repairs the fracture without directly visualizing the fracture

open treatment

a surgery is performed and the fracture is exposed by an incision to visualize the fractured bone

manipulation (reduction)

attempt to maneuver the bone into proper alignment

closed treatment without manipulation

immobilizing the bone with a device, but without having to manipulate the fracture into alignment

closed treatment with manipulation

the physician has to reduce, put back in place, a fracture

traction

application of pulling force to hold a bone in alignment

skeletal traction

internal devices inserted into the bone with ends of the pins, screws, or wires sticking out so traction devices can be attached

skin traction

involves strapping, elastic wrap, or tape fastened to the skin where weights are then attached to apply force to the fracture

wound exploration codes report what kind of wounds

penetrating traumatic wounds

Coders have to assess what when choosing a wound exploration code

the extent of the procedure

arthrocentesis

aspiration of a joint, includes puncture, injection, and aspiration

ORIF

open reduction with internal fixation

hallux valgus

bunion, abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the great toe