Hot Coding Topics / MAC

Coders: Watch Out for Claim-Denying Computer Glitches

Don’t wait for your MAC to alert you to an error — be on the lookout for them. If you’ve been losing reimbursement to computer hiccups at your carrier, you’re not alone. Earlier this year, thousands of Medicare recipients in one state were wrongly told their benefits were being cut by $300 — but the state decided not to notify those affected with a letter. Instead, the state only told [...] Related articles:

  1. Medical Office Billing: 7 Ways to Escape Computer Claim CasualtiesPay attention to EOBs and keep talking to your MAC....
  2. Modifier 22 Moves for Ob-Gyn CodersThis U/S tactic will save you time — and add money...
  3. 15% More Pay Awaits Coders Who Can Max Out NPP BenefitCorrectly code NPP’s hospital services, or you’ll sell the practice...

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October 17, 2009
Coding Challenge

OB or Not OB: That’s the Ultrasound Coding Question

Question: For an ultrasound, the radiologist documented measurements of the uterus, endometrial complex, and ovaries. She noted no evidence of intrauterine pregnancy, no free fluid in the cul-de-sac, physiologic follicle formation, and positive Doppler flow in the ovaries. The patient had syncope but no confirmed pregnancy. Should I report an obstetric or nonobstetric ultrasound? Answer: Because the patient [...] Related articles:

  1. New From CPT Assistant: Help with Trunk Ultrasound Coding Do you know exactly what’s in the mediastinum? Your US...
  2. Double Ultrasound Codes Spell Double Trouble With AuditorsAuthorities scrutinize medical necessity for 76830 & 76856. The OIG...
  3. Which Ultrasound Code Is Best for Bladder Volume? Question: A urologist wants to bill for an ultrasound...

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October 17, 2009
Coder's Cranium

ASC Coding Education: Knee Diagnoses & Procedures

Choose this ICD-9 code if you see ‘jumper’s knee’ in the orthopedic surgeon’s note. Here’s a handy introduction to common ICD-9 codes related to the knee, along with examples of CPT codes for procedures physicians perform to treat knee diagnoses. Chondromalacia Patella Chondromalacia patella (717.7) is also known as “patellofemoral syndrome” or “runner’s knee.” This condition results when [...] Related articles:

  1. Orthopedic Coding Quick Start Guide: ASC Shoulder ProceduresShoulder ICD-9 and CPT codes you’ll most likely see in...
  2. Test Yourself: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Coding Can you tackle an op note like this one...
  3. Anesthesia Coding Education: Sciatic Nerve Block & Same-Day General AnesthesiaQuestion: My anesthesiologist performed a sciatic nerve block for a...

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October 17, 2009