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
CCI / CMS / Hot Coding Topics

Red Alert, Cardiology Coders: Expect EP Study + Ablation Denials Until April 1

CMS won’t fix CCI blunder until version 16.1, to be released in the spring. If your heart skipped a beat when you saw that January’s Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits bundled catheter ablations with electrophysiology (EP) studies, you weren’t alone. Good news: CMS has decided to delete the edits retroactively because their addition was a mistake, according [...] Related articles:

  1. Take Heart, Cardiology Coders: CCI Deletions Overturn 93296 Denials Go back to the future. 3 months of denials...
  2. Nerve Conduction Study Coding TipDid you know that new medical devices are opening doors...
  3. Bundle of His Recording Coding ChallengeQuestion: How should I report right atrial pacing and recording...

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February 23, 2010
CMS / MAC / Provider News

CMS Delays Ordering/Referring PECOS Regulation Until 2011

Take the extra time to get your practice registered in PECOS — don’t wait until the end of the year, CMS reps say. Practices that were busily struggling to find out whether their ordering/referring physicians’ national provider identifiers (NPIs) were in the PECOS system can relax a little bit — at least until next year. If your physician performs [...] Related articles:

  1. CMS: Billing Co. Can’t Fill Out PECOS Form on Doc’s BehalfIf you’ve grown accustomed to a designated credentialing specialist in...
  2. A Press Release Is Not a Legal Ruling, PECOS Pundits Point OutKeep an eye on the Federal Register as you use...
  3. CMS Changes Course: Physicians Need Not Personally Complete PECOS ApplicationWhat a difference three months makes, especially when it comes...

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February 23, 2010