Why is the splinting code not reported when casting a fracture?

The correct choice emphasizes that splinting is typically included as part of the comprehensive fracture care treatment. When a fracture is managed with casting, the services provided, including the application of a splint, are often considered bundled into the overall treatment code for fracture care. This means that when a specific fracture treatment code is billed, it inherently covers the necessary preliminary steps, including splinting, and as such, providers do not bill for these services separately.

Bundling is a common approach in coding to avoid duplicate charges for services that are part of a larger procedure or treatment plan. In this context, providing separate payment for splinting services when a cast is applied would not align with this bundling policy, reinforcing why the splinting code is not reported alongside the casting for fracture care.