Coder's Cranium / surgery

Time Your Surgical Collections Right by Referencing Payer Contracts

Find out if you’re legal in collecting patient portion before providing the surgical service. Don’t be too hasty in collecting a patient’s copay and deductible up front. “While in theory, the practice of collecting deductibles up front may sound good, you should check your carrier contracts to be sure you are allowed to do this before requesting [...] Related articles:

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January 21, 2010
Coding Challenge

Pulmonology Coding Challenge: Why Are My 94664 Claims Getting Denied?

Before coding 94664, check off these items. Question: Under the direction of my pulmonologist I recently submitted 94664 for reimbursement for training time, but the bill was rejected? Can I challenge this? Answer: You can challenge training denials, provided your documentation supports the education’s reason. However, “not all payers will pay for 94664,” notes Gary N. Gross, [...] Related articles:

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  2. 52214 Coding Challenge: Fulguration, Then TUIBNCQuestion: If my physician went to do a TUIBNC and...
  3. Radiology Coding Challenge: Why is Medicare Denying a 38792, 78195 ClaimTip: Discover true meaning of 38792 note Question: The physician...

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January 21, 2010
E/M / Hot Coding Topics / modifier 25

Wound Closure Coding: Make the Simple, Intermediate Distinction

Accounting for depth is a tricky task when coding closure. Practices interested in ethically boosting their bottom line and getting $80 or more for the same closure repair need to walk the line that separates simple from intermediate. What Makes a Repair “Simple”? A wound closure is a simple repair if the procedure: is simple; is a single-layer closure involving [...] Related articles:

  1. Coding Education: Simple, Intermediate or Complex Closure?Correctly distinguish closure levels every time with this advice from...
  2. Simple Laceration Repair Code or E/M Code? Answer Could Cost Hundreds Not recognizing a laceration repair that’s included in an...
  3. Multi-Laceration Repair Coding Case StudiesDo you know when to code repairs that occur in...

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January 21, 2010