Is having a cast put on considered surgery?

Closed treatment that does not require manipulation may be done in the office with casting. However, all fracture treatment is considered “major surgery” by the Federal (CMS) and AMA coding systems and will oftentimes be reported as surgery on your insurance company’s “Explanation of Benefits” (EOB).

Is a cast a treatment?

Your orthopedic doctor has assessed your injury and decided that a cast is the best treatment option…now what? Casts are used to protect and immobilize bones and joints in order to support injured limbs while they heal. Although casts can feel awkward at first, they play a big role in how fast your injury can heal.

Does it hurt to get a cast put on?

Because bones, torn ligaments, tendons, and other tissues can take weeks or months to heal, you may be stuck with your cast for a while. Although the pain may ease after a few weeks, the discomfort – swelling, itchiness, or soreness – may last the entire time.

Who puts on a cast?

A health care provider such as an orthopedic surgeon , emergency room doctor, physician assistant , orthopedic technician, or nurse practitioner puts on the cast. To put on the cast, the health care provider: wraps a liner of soft material around the injured area (for a waterproof cast, a different liner is used)

When is a cast considered a major surgery?

CPT introductory guidelines state: “If a cast application or strapping is provided as an initial service in which no other procedure or treatment (eg.  Fracture management, regardless of type is considered a major “surgery” with a 90 day global period.

What happens when you break a bone and need a cast?

When you break a bone, your doctor will put the pieces back together in the right position. Casts and splints hold the bones in place while they heal. They also reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasm. In some cases, splints and casts are applied following surgery.

Why does a doctor put a cast on a broken arm?

Why does a doctor put a cast on a broken arm or leg? Better healing: Treatment for most fractures (broken bones) involves immobilizing the bone. Most commonly this is done by placing a cast (plaster or fiberglass) on th… Read More Cast: A cast stops motionand allows healing.

What are the benefits of using a cast after surgery?

Casts also help to prevent or decrease muscle contractions, and are effective at providing immobilization, especially after surgery. Casts immobilize the joint above and the joint below the area that is to be kept straight and without motion.