Urology Coding Challenge: Gold Seed Marker Placement Plus TRUS

August 6, 2009

Brachytherapy seeds.

Question: How should I report the placement of gold seed markers and a TRUS done in the office setting?

Answer: First, you should report 55876 (Placement of interstitial device[s] for radiation therapy guidance [e.g., fiducial markers, dosimeter], prostate [via needle, any approach], single or multiple) for the gold seed marker placement. If the urologist also examined the prostate gland transrectally with ultrasound, report 76872 (Ultrasound, transrectal) for the transrectal ultrasound (TRUS).

You should also report 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], imaging supervision and interpretation) for the ultrasound guidance your urologist used to place the gold seed markers.

Plus: For the actual cost of the markers, also report A4648 (Tissue marker, implantable, any type, each). Some payers will request your patient’s invoice before paying for the markers, while others will never pay for this code.

AUDIO: Your coding & billing guide to urinary diversion reimbursement. With Dr. Michael Ferragamo.

Related articles:

Focus on Method to Ensure Proper Stereotactic Breast Biopsy CodingWatch out for the 77031 pitfall if the radiologist participates…
Coding Ovarian Cyst Removal: Are You Making These 4 Mistakes?Here’s how you could potentially add $184 to your bottom…
Where Anesthesia Coders Go Wrong With CS Cath Placement Your doc needs to do this to get…

Share:

More Posts

Last-Minute Tips For Creating An ICD-10 Command Center

When the clock ticks in a new month and the entire healthcare industry is thereby mandated to begin using the new ICD-10 code set, there

ICD-10 Data: Does It Matter?

It is often argued that ICD-10 coding does nothing for the patient. Recently that point was made at the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Examining ICD-10 Implementation” last week.

Researchers Create Online Tool To Ease Transition to ICD-10 Codes

Researchers have developed an online mapping tool designed to help stakeholders transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 code sets, EHR Intelligence reports.

Know your Priorities When it Comes to ICD-10: Five Areas that Deserve your Attention Now

The next nine months are critical in terms of preparing for a smooth transition to ICD-10. If ICD-10 isn’t a priority in your organization yet, it should quickly rise to the top of the list as soon as possible.

There’s not enough incentive to keep health care data safe

The grim message following a breach that has endangered sensitive data belonging to 80 million current and former Anthem health insurance customers is that we can only expect more health care data breaches in the future.