Application of air cast

The following information published in the most recent issue of Coding Clinic for HCPCS will change how we handle the application of a splint.

Coding Clinic for HCPCS - Fourth Quarter 2007 Page: 5Question 2
In the First Quarter 2007 issue of Coding Clinic for HCPCS, it was advised that if a splint is applied, it would be appropriate to report a CPT code for application of the splint regardless of whether the splint was off the shelf and/or prefabricated. I understand that items such as post-op shoes, slings, and ace bandages do not meet the criteria of a splint and are not separately reportable. How should the application of an air cast be reported? Does it meet the criteria for splint application or is this not a separately reportable service?

Answer
For hospital outpatient reporting, the application of the air cast would be inclusive in the code for the visit or procedure and would not be separately reported. The appropriate HCPCS level II code for the air cast can be reported when no restorative treatment or procedure (specific to that injury) is performed or expected to be performed.

For all Memorial Hermann Coders- Effective Feb. 27, 2008 we will no longer assign a code for the application of an air cast.