Articles, tagged with "cpt codes", page 1
Coding for New Procedures: Reporting a Percutaneous Tracheostomy vs. a Surgical Tracheostomy
Sometimes a physician or group comes up with a new way of performing a procedure or service. This new procedure may work well, be more beneficial to patients and, in some circumstances, save money. But, if this service isnt clearly delineated in CPT , ho...
Coding Case Study: Meet the Challenge of Multicode Shoulder Surgeries
Complicated arthroscopic shoulder surgeries often result in multiple surgical procedures being performed in the same session. Where it might be easiest simply to match the procedure to the appropriate code, coders need to be aware not only of the codes th...
The Relevance of Using Perfect Modifiers in Medical Claims
The overlapping nature of certain medical procedures is such that it is impossible to report them with CPT codes alone. Although CPT coding has grown to be comprehensive enough to cover breakthrough procedures over the years, yet, physicians are not spare...
Appealing Denied Insurance Claims: An Overview
The process of appealing a denied insurance claim is complicated but can be effective if done correctly since there are numerous reasons for claims to be denied by an insurance company. The payer or insurance company receives thousands of claims everyday ...
Diagnoses Codes: Be Well-Versed With 'Uncertain Behavior'
If you always use diagnosis code 238.2 while reporting 11100 for a biopsy procedure your physicians carry out, you are setting your practice up for a rough ride. The key to understanding when to use the 'uncertain behavior' diagnosis code is understanding...
CPT 2011 Codes Help Solve Your 'Middle Day' Code Dilemma
While reporting the middle day observations, this year you have new options to choose from. If you want to find out how CPT additions will have a say on your orthopedist's observation care services, read on and find out:
New codes bring clarity with the...
When to Use 'Uncertain Behavior Diagnosis Code'?
You may be in for a great loss if you always use diagnosis code 238.2 while reporting 11100 for a biopsy procedure your surgeon performs. The best way to know when to use the 'uncertain behavior' diagnosis code is understanding what that code descriptor r...
Tips for Spot-On Well-Woman Coding
In order to report a well-woman exam correctly, you need to be aware of two important concepts: How Medicare and private payers' guidelines differ, and when you should code breast/pelvic exams and Pap smears separately.
Want to know more about well-w...
CCI 17.1: Include injections in DLEK & DSEK coding
Practically, all of the nerve block injection codes are now bundled into endothelial keratoplasty
So does your ophthalmology practice bill for anesthesia injections along with endothelial keratoplasty (EK) procedures? If so, with effect from April 1 this...
Otolaryngolology coding : Four FAQs to help your Cochlear Implant Coding
Find out why physicians have limited use of available CPT codes
While reporting for audiologist's services, do not forget that Medicare prohibits audiologists from billing for treatment services. They're allowed to bill for diagnostic services only. B...
Same-Polyp Intervention? Turn to 45383 & 45381
As a gastroenterology coder, you may find yourself bowled over by coding situations such as these: The olympus scope was passed in the transverse colon. Outstanding prep. The lesion itself was at about 9 centimeter in the rectosigmoid or upper one third o...
Glaucoma Screenings: S0620 or G0117 -Which Code to go for?
With more than 18 choices to sift through when coding a glaucoma visit, you need these simple guidelines to secure the insurer preferred code that lands payment, and not denial.
You have four choices for coding glaucoma exams, depending on the payer, ty...
Medicare Essure Procedure Scenario
Which ICD-9 code would you use here?
In a particular scenario, one of our ob-gyns carried out an Essure procedure on a Medicare patient for recurrent situational anxiety of pregnancy.
Medicare doesn't compensate for sterilization under this condition. ...
Which ICD-9 Code for Medicare Essure Procedure Scenario
Here's an ob-gyn coding scenario you might run into: "One of our ob-gyns carried out an essure procedure on a Medicare patient for recurrent situational anxiety of pregnancy. What ICD-9 code should I report here?"
Medicare doesn't pay for sterilization...
Do You Need To Add a Modifier To One Of The Codes?
Our center provides DXA screenings to some cancer patients. We have been getting denials from Medicare on those claims where we code both 77080 and 77081. Is it required to add a modifier to one of the codes?
Well, it all depends on your payer whether ...