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What does initial encounter mean in medical terms?

What does initial encounter mean in medical terms?

Example 1: An initial encounter (character “A”) describes an episode of care during which the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition. Examples include cast change or removal, medication adjustment, and other follow-up visits following treatment of the injury or condition.

When do you use initial encounters?

Initial Encounter: 7th character “A”, initial encounter is used while the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition. Examples of active treatment are: surgical treatment, emergency department encounter, and evaluation and continuing treatment by the same or a different physician.

When do you use initial vs subsequent encounter?

Subsequent encounter. Use this for encounters after the physician performs the initial treatment, but the patient continues to receive care during the healing or recovery phase (e.g., cast change/removal, removal of fixation, medication adjustment).

What is the correct code for a closed fracture?

CPT code 26750: “Closed treatment of distal phalangeal fracture, finger or thumb; without manipulation, each” CPT code 26755: “Closed treatment of distal phalangeal fracture, finger or thumb; with manipulation, each” for guidance.

When do you use a sequela code?

A sequela is the residual effect (condition produced) after the acute phase of an illness or injury has terminated. There is no time limit on when a sequela code can be used. The residual may be apparent early, such as in cerebral infarction, or it may occur months or years later, such as that due to a previous injury.

What is a sequela diagnosis?

When do you use the sequela code?

Can a sequela code be primary?

According to the ICD-10-CM Manual guidelines, a sequela (7th character “S”) code cannot be listed as the primary, first listed, or principal diagnosis on a claim, nor can it be the only diagnosis on a claim.

When do you code sequela?

What is the difference between open and closed treatment of fractures?

In closed reduction, the broken ends of a fractured bone can be reset without surgery. Open reduction requires surgery to return the broken ends of the bone to their correct anatomical position.

What is an initial encounter for a closed fracture?

This is reported S52.222A Displaced transverse fracture of the left ulna, initial encounter for closed fracture. When the orthopedist rechecks the patient and reduces the fracture the next day, the patient is receiving initial active treatment for this fracture.

What is the ICD 10 code for a closed fracture?

ICD-10-CM Code S62.609A. Fracture of unspecified phalanx of unspecified finger, initial encounter for closed fracture. BILLABLE. Billable codes are sufficient justification for admission to an acute care hospital when used a principal diagnosis.

When does a closed fracture of the ankle occur?

A closed fracture occurs when the bones just break and the fragments of the bone do not penetrate through the skin surface such that it protrudes through the skin surface and become exposed to environmental pollutants. A Closed Fracture of Ankle can occur when there is complete or partial break in the bones of the ankle.

What’s the difference between an initial and a subsequent fracture?

Initial does not equate to a first visit — although, it may be the first time the provider has seen the patient for the fracture. Initial is interpreted as active treatment.