As patients, we don’t have the thousands of dollars it costs to tap into the extensive database information required for the entire body of CPT codes. But the AMA does offer us an easy way to look up one code at a time, for free.
New CPT to ICD-9 ‘cross walk’ tool is available to members Nov. 1.
We’ve had so many requests for a CPT to ICD-9 “cross walk” that we moved up our implementation date for this popular denial combating tool to Nov. 1. Advantage members will be able to access the feature under Tools.
Coders are working weekends to bring to you live on Nov. 1, the surgical CPT procedure code to ICD-9-CM CrossRef. By Dec. 1, SuperCoder CPT to ICD-9-CM CrossRef will also include CPT radiology, pathology, and medicine codes. “The CrossRef lets a coder look up a surgical CPT procedure code and see which ICD-9 diagnosis codes Medicare and private payer allow,” explains Jen Godreau, CPC, CPEDC, content director for SuperCoder.com.
Denials for mismatched CPT and ICD-9 codes cost practices thousands of dollars every year. SuperCoder CrossRef will help you ensure your links are correct helping you further reduce your denials rate. Plus, more code details and pictures will improve your coding accuracy.
Lay Terms, Illustrations Help You Understand CPT Codes
Starting Nov. 1, SuperCoder.com will put more accurate coding at your fingertips with Lay Terms for every CPT code for eight major specialties. SuperCoder Codesets & Tools and Advantage members should look for this feature plus visually helpful anatomical illustrations under Code Details. No more guessing what your physician’s doing — anatomical illustrations in code details for CPT procedural cardiology, family practice, gastroenterology, general surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, and pediatrics will put a face with the procedure to make selecting the correct code even easier.
We’ve heard your frustrations on SuperCoder’s slow speed. Our IT is having hardware rushed in. Starting next week, you’ll notice faster searching — the improvements will continue weekly.
2991x, 9922x medical procedure CPT 2011 codes added.
If you’ve been frustrated about the lack of arthroscopic hip surgery codes that CPT offers, CPT 2011 will change that, with three new codes that debut on Jan. 1.
In fact, CPT will introduce over 200 new codes in 2011 to help keep your coding more specific than ever, spanning several categories, from dermatology to orthopedics to cardiology, and beyond.
In orthopedics, you’ll benefit from the following three hip arthroscopy codes, which will be excellent additions to CPT.
Check out New Observation Codes
CPT adds to your E/M coding options with the introduction of three new observation codes, as follows:
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Don’t assume 90911 is the correct code choice.
Question: Is there a procedure code for billing for Kegel exercise teaching? Can we use code 90911 or possibly 97110?
Answer: There are no specific CPT or HCPCS codes for the performance of or teaching of Kegel exercises. To bill for teaching a patient how to properly perform these exercises, a nurse or medical technician must document a brief history and physical examination as well as the indications for and the expected goals of the Kegel exercises. Under these circumstances, you can then report 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient that may not require the presence of a physician …) for this encounter.
About the service: Kegel exercises are voluntary contraction and relaxation of the perineal musculature including the urinary sphincter (pelvic diaphragm). These exercises are usually performed outside of the office without medical staff supervision, and are a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment for female and occasionally male stress urinary incontinence.
Pitfall: You should only use 90911 (Biofeedback training, perineal muscles, anorectal or urethral sphincter, including EMG and/or manometry) for the teaching of biofeedback therapy with face-to-face supervision in office by a trained member of your medical staff.
Additionally, you should use 97110 (Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility) only for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation (PFMR) performed under one-on-one supervision with a physician, physiotherapist, or ancillary office staff member specifically trained in an accredited physiotherapy program.
@ Urology Coding Alert (Editor: Leesa A. Israel, CPC, CUC, CMBS).
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Tip: This encounter involves topical applications and patient care instruction in addition to removing devitalized tissue.
Question: When the surgeon performs a wound VAC or cleans a wound by scraping with a sharp curette (not excising tissue), is it appropriate to use a debridement code or should we report an active wound care management code from the range 97597-97606?
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: Physicians typically use the debridement codes (11000-11001, Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin; … or 11004-11005, Debridement of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and fascia for necrotizing soft tissue infection; …) for debridement by any method.
Without…
Here’s what you need to explain in your cover letter.…
Hint: Gathering upfront pay and watching E/Ms make a difference.
Children need physicals to participate in their favorite sports year round, but the demand can grow with warm weather approaching. Ideally, the need for sports physicals should provide the opportunity…
Overlooking these new Interstim and hemorrhoid destruction bundles could mean denial headaches.
Payers like Noridian Part B will cover the female stress urinary incontinence treatment code 0193T, but before you submit a 0193T claim, you’ll have to check with the…
Test your 2010 consultation coding understanding with these questions and answers.
Consultation coding has every practice on edge this year. Ensure that you’ve got a handle on this complicated coding and billing situation by taking this three-question quiz and then…
Knowing how to use add-on codes can net you up to $258 in additional reimbursement.
CPT is full of “add-on” codes, additions to minor and major surgical procedures as well as to E/M services. Fortunately for urology there are not…
