orthopedic surgery

Orthopedic surgery
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Coding in Orthopedic Surgery
Coding is the technique of allocating a code to something for the reason of grouping or proof of identity. Coding is divided into two groups: actual coding, which involves identification of objective data from another document to produce other papers and subjective coding, which includes statistical entry of personal data from pre-determined models or according to a pre-determined procedure. Coding in orthopedics surgery is classified into four groups; spine surgery coding, upper extremity coding, foot and ankle surgery coding and general orthopedics coding. For coding to be successful, the coders must ensure everyday practice and full concentration on orthopedic surgery coding (Dischinger et al., 2004).
The documents found in orthopedic surgery are such as, outpatient documentation, joint replacement documentation, and spine documentation. Proper documentation in orthopedics helps in: Describing the circumstances of the injury- appropriate details around the circumstances of the injury are required to ensure proper coding and claim processing (Brand et al., 2006). Relating the fracture/injury- proper documentation on the type of damage helps in proper coding. The documentations help in identifying the presence of an infection if any and which type. Ensures the provider gets adequate reimbursement for necessary follow-up visits and ensures the patient receives correct outpatient services.

For coders to be successful in coding orthopedic they must have; a minimum of three years’ experience in coding, they must be focused on orthopedic coding only and must practice coding daily for better results.
Bundling is the process of re-purposing an already created value to create more values by combining some small offers onto a generous offer while unbundling is the process of splitting an offer into many small offers (Brand et al., 2006). These practices help build a rate for different customers without necessarily coming up something fresh. Bundling and unbundling impact orthopedic surgery coding and reimbursement in the following ways;
They help subsidize the rates paid by patients depending on the diagnosis.
Bundling payments result to patients paying less for the services they need leading to collusion between the medical personnel and the patients.
Bundling and unbundling fees help the patient choose providers who offer the quality services they require.
Bundling and unbundling prices provide information to the consumer on price and quality hence influencing their choices.
Physical reimbursement in orthopedic surgeries is significant in supporting the health of any surgeon’s practice (Dischinger et al., 2004). It involves more than the amount the doctor gets, it is a long and complicated procedure that begins when first the patient contacts the physician first time. For full utilization of the reimbursement, one must have the knowledge of correct coding. Understanding the basics of Medicare helps the medical practitioners to understand the medicine business. Reimbursement is a three-stage process. The first stage is the proper coding of the service provided by proper use of the current procedural terminology (CPT). The second stage is the proper coding of the finding by use of ICD-9 code and the last stage is defining the correct payment grounded on the resources – based relative worth by the hubs for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Conclusion
Orthopedic surgery coding is a critical part of the medical world. It is a complicated process that requires much experience and concentration. The coders need daily practice on the coding to ensure correct results at the end. Coding is of much help to both the patients and the service providers since it helps in their bargaining power and influences on the consumer choice when it comes to quality of service they need. Coding knowledge helps in coming up with charging fee in the medical business.
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References
Dischinger, P. C., Read, K. M., Kufera, J. A., Kerns, T. J., Burch, C. A., Jawed, N., … &
Burgess, A. R. (2004, September). Consequences and costs of lower extremity injuries. In
Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med (Vol. 48, pp. 339-353).
BRAND, D. A., KRAG, M. H., HAUSMAN, M. R., TRAINOR, K. F., AKELMAN, E.,
RUDICEL, S. A., & SOUTHWICK, W. O. (2006). A patient registry for orthopedic
surgery. Clinical orthopedics and related research, 252, 262-269.