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diagnosis...

I'm going to nerd out on you for a couple seconds so just hang in there...
726.32 - Lateral epicondylitis

E012.0 - Activities involving knitting and crocheting

By day I am medical coder/biller so I know all about diagnosis codes, procedures and everything else. Every year the AMA releases new Emergency (E) Codes based on a bunch of numbers and incidents seen in the E.R.'s around the U.S. Two years ago apparently a lot of people were seen for Knitting Related Incidents because it finally got it's own diagnosis code E012.0. I was pretty giddy at the thought that we had emerged as a group to such a degree as to warrant a number in a medical book due to injuries...What sparked "activities involving knitting and crocheting" to get it's own E-code? Was there a high number of stabbings with knitting needles after a terribly frustrating row of lace? Puncture wounds from size 1 DPN's left haphazardly around the house (personal experience). Finger cocked in a lock position based on how the yarn trails thru your fingers? or was it a husband trying to pry the yarn and needles out of his lovely wifes hands and ended up calling an ambulance to sedate her in order to make her put down her wool(not a personal experience yet but I'm sure it's coming)? Whatever it was it worked. So, while I'm secretly hoping that my doctor will attach this wonderful code to my permanent medical record, my official diagnosis is
726.32 Lateral Epicondylitis: Tennis Knitters elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
My doctor is wonderful and after a few quick tests, TWO SHOTS, one to numb one to heal, a fancy new arm brace and a script for pain I was on my way home to give my knitting another whirl...Phew!

I'm back and my wool better watch out!
Happy Wednesday!

Comments

Kelly said…
Glad you're back! What a funny post. I can't believe us knitters have our own medical coding category! Is there a code for horseback riding-related incidents? I've been to the ER for a few of those in my lifetime...
Carmel said…
Kelly...You would be amazed what ECodes there are in the book! I should do a post of my favorites :)

it's good to be back!

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