BCBS / Coding Challenge

Surgery Coding: Narrow Your Options for Birmingham Hip Procedure

Include this term in Box 19 to indicate the type of implant. Question: One of our surgeons says we should use a total hip code for Birmingham resurfacing even if he doesn’t complete a total hip procedure; another physician says to use an unlisted code . What’s the correct answer? Washington Subscriber Answer: Both of your physicians could [...] Related articles:

  1. Test Yourself: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Coding Can you tackle an op note like this one...
  2. How Do I Code An Arthroscopic To Open Ankle Surgery?Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove a loose body in...
  3. Podiatry Coding Education: 28293 For Joint Replacement for Hallux LimitusQuestion: Our podiatrist performed a joint replacement for hallux limitus and...

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February 23, 2010
Toolkit

Optometry Coding: Stop 92081-92083 Denials in Their Tracks

Record visual fields interpretation and report the right way. Visual fields are a compliance hot spot. Optometrists should use the visual field interpretation and report (I&R) to record what their thinking process was at that moment by recording any changes noticed, how the field compares to other testing like OCT (92135, Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging, [...] Related articles:

  1. Ophthalmology Coding: GDX, VF, & Temp Plugs — How Many Modifiers?Question: A patient came in for a GDX and visual...
  2. Optometry Coding: Eye Exams, Cataract Surgery and Co-ManagementE/M or Eye Code? Choose Wisely With These Documentation Tips...
  3. Ophthalmology Coding: RT/LT or Modifier 50? Prevent Uni-Bi Reporting Errors With This Expert Insight Don’t...

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February 19, 2010
Coding Challenge / modifier 22

Surgical Coding: Capture Extra Work for Choledochal Cyst

Discover these subsequent reconstruction codes. Question: The surgeon treated a patient with a large choledochal cyst. The procedure involved an open cholecystectomy with en bloc excision of extrahepatic bile ducts (roux-en-Y reconstruction) with hepaticojejunostomy. What are the correct CPT and ICD-9 codes? Answer: The correct ICD-9 code will depend on whether the patient has an acquired [...] Related articles:

  1. Quick Start Guide to Benign Ovarian Cyst Dx CodingTip: An endometrial cyst is also known as a chocolate...
  2. Coding Ovarian Cyst Removal: Are You Making These 4 Mistakes?Here’s how you could potentially add $184 to your bottom...
  3. Surgical Coding: Scar Revision on Previous Mastectomy SiteTip: Find mastectomy scar revision in wound repair Question: Our...

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February 9, 2010