Understand ‘significant’ and ‘separate’ to earn a gold star.
Knowing when to report modifiers and choosing the best one for each situation can be an easy trip-up for coders. If you find yourself especially befuddled…
Before coding 94664, check off these items.
Question: Under the direction of my pulmonologist I recently submitted 94664 for reimbursement for training time, but the bill was rejected? Can I challenge this?
Answer: You can challenge training denials, provided your documentation supports the education’s reason. However, “not all payers will pay for 94664,” notes Gary N. Gross, […]
Related articles:
Is your ob-gyn practice using the new codes correctly? 3 quick questions say for sure.
This year, ICD-9 2010 brought new hyperplasia, mammogram, and fertility preservation codes. In some cases, these codes simply expanded on existing options, and it’sup to you to spot when you should report the new versus old alternatives. Dig in to […]
Related articles:
Is your ob-gyn practice using the new codes correctly? 3 quick questions say for sure.
This year, ICD-9 2010 brought new hyperplasia, mammogram, and fertility preservation codes. In some cases, these codes simply expanded on existing options, and it’sup to you to spot when you should report the new versus old alternatives.
Dig in to these three […]
Related articles:
Prevent 99251-99245 denials in 2010 with this checklist.
Multiple physicians using the same hospital codes sounds like a recipe for denials, but that’s what Medicare is instructing physician inpatient consultants and care coordinators to do.
Whether carriers will kick out these submissions as coordination of care or inpatient admit limiting admit edits is contractor specific, Charles […]
Related articles:
Question: For a lower back ultrasound of a soft tissue mass, which CPT code is appropriate?
Answer: Code 76705 (Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited [e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up]) is appropriate for this lower back ultrasound.
Although the code descriptor states “abdominal” and not “back,” CPT Assistant (May 2009) clarifies that 76705 is appropriate […]
Related articles:
Plus: Say goodbye to two perfusion codes.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Medicare actually pays attention to CPT’s Category III codes, the AMA offers an answer with the release of the new codes included in CPT 2010.
First and foremost, CPT will delete the Category III cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging codes 0144T-0151T and replace them with […]
Related articles:
Hang on to this handy table to avoid cath placement coding temptations.
Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) 15.3 offered long lists of new edits, but we’ve boiled them down to the ones that affect cardiology coders and billers most.
Cardiology Coders: A CCC™ Exam Prep Training Camp is coming to a city near you.
Related articles:Take Heart, Cardiology Coders: CCI […]
Related articles:
Wonder if there’s a method to the 76001 madness? Here’s where to look for answers.
The silver lining to the 18,000 Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) that just came rumbling in with CCI 15.3. Analyzing them can help you master radiology coding essentials — including follow-up CTs, fluoro, and more. Apply these five lessons to keep your claims looking […]
Related articles:
When Part B MACs publish the top errors that they see in claims submitted by physicians, incorrectly billed drugs are always near the top of the list. If you’re one of the coders that has trouble assigning units to drug claims, one MAC has a solution for you.
Palmetto GBA, a Part B payer, now offers […]
Related articles: