Hip Injection With Fluoro — Is Coding Both Allowed?

You have two options depending on how the physician performed the procedure.

Question: Our orthopedist administered a hip injection under fluoroscopy. Can I report both codes?

Wyoming Subscriber

Answer: You can code both the injection and fluoroscopy, but the correct choices depend on how your physician completed the procedure.

Option 1: If your orthopedist injected radiopaque dye and performed the arthrography concurrently, code the procedure with 27093 (Injection procedure for hip arthrography; without anesthesia).

Option 2: If he completed the guidance and injection as separate procedures, submit 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection; major joint or bursa [e.g., shoulder, hip, knee joint, subacromial bursa]) for the injection. Include 77002 (Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device]) for the fluoroscopic guidance.

Remember to append modifier 26 (Professional component) to 77002 because your physician performed the service but doesn’t own the fluoroscopy equipment.

SI change: If the physician injects the sacroiliac joint instead of the hip joint, choose either 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection; major joint or bursa [e.g., shoulder, hip, knee joint, subacromial bursa]) or 27096 (Injection procedure for sacroiliac joint, arthrography and/or anesthetic/steroid).

Orthopedic Coding Alert. Editor: Leigh DeLozier, CPC

Sign up for the upcoming live audio conference, Coding Tips for Hip Procedures, or order the CD/transcripts.

Be a hero. Sign up for Supercoder.com, and join the coding community at the Supercoder.com Facebook Fan Page.

Comments Off on Hip Injection With Fluoro — Is Coding Both Allowed?

Medical Coders: Use 36415 for Lab Draws

You have two options depending on the next step.

Question: Our vascular office performs blooddraws and analysis for a local hospital. Can we bill for a lab draw in an office setting, and if so, what codes should we use?...

Comments Off on Medical Coders: Use 36415 for Lab Draws

Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out Fast

Check your 2010 consultation coding savvy.

Find out if you’re set to properly code your physician’s consultation services this year by tackling three problems and their solutions.

Check With Your MAC for Guidance

When…

Related articles:
  1. Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out FastTest your 2010 consultation coding understanding with these questions. Consultation...
  2. Ask 3 Questions to Head Off 2010 Consult Problems Before They Start Ever used an unlisted E/M code? Get ready. By...
  3. CMS Will Offer New Modifier to Denote Admitting Physician on ClaimsPop the champagne cork & get ready for brand new...

Comments Off on Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out Fast

Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out Fast

Test your 2010 consultation coding understanding with these questions. Consultation coding has every practice on edge this year. Ensure that you’ve got a handle on this complicated coding and billing situation by trying your hand at this question. Question: When a visit with a Medicare inpatient that would normally have been coded as a consultation does not [...] Related articles:

  1. Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out FastCheck your 2010 consultation coding savvy. Find out if you’re...
  2. Ask 3 Questions to Head Off 2010 Consult Problems Before They Start Ever used an unlisted E/M code? Get ready. By...
  3. CMS Will Soon Issue Consult Code Replacement Advice, According to Open Door ForumPlus: You can now download a list of all practitioners...

Comments Off on Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out Fast

Neurosurgery Coding: Previous Injury Means Multiple Dx Options

Find out what additional information V codes provide to the payer. Question: We have a patient with previous spinal injury that is now causing neck pain. How should I code the diagnosis? North Carolina Subscriber Answer: Document and code prior conditions that contribute to a patient’s current complaint — if they affect the management of the current condition. Prior trauma, [...] Related articles:

  1. ICD-9 2010: More Coding Options for Brain Injury Check out V80.01 and V80.09 for special screenings. The...
  2. Dx Coding Moves That Stop Denials for Chronic Pain ClaimsTip: Code prior conditions in these cases. Imagine your pain...
  3. How Do I Code This Multiple Fracture Accident Patient?Question: A 30-year-old female presents to a rural ED with...

Comments Off on Neurosurgery Coding: Previous Injury Means Multiple Dx Options