Anesthesiologist / Hot Coding Topics / modifier 52 / modifier 53 / modifier 73 / modifier 74 / Pain Management

Employ Modifier 53 For Discontinued Anesthesia Services

Pain management specialties might make use of modifier 52 as well.

The situation is bound to happen: A patient undergoing surgery has complications, and your anesthesiologist must stop his services. Are you prepared to recognize a situation that calls for...

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May 9, 2010
Provider News

AAPC National Conference Location Changed to Jacksonville, FL

Get the latest from the National AAPC CEO and President, Reed Pew.

To all registered AAPC conference participants:

We have chosen Jacksonville, Florida to relocate our conference due to the extent of the flooding in Nashville, TN. It will be...

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May 6, 2010
Anesthesia / Hot Coding Topics / ICD-9 / MAC

Unlock Pay With Anesthesia V Code Advice

Don’t be caught asleep: Patient history is one element of proper Dx coding.

Many coders hesitate to report V codes, or simply use them incorrectly, but sometimes this section of ICD-9 most accurately describes the reason for the patient’s condition....

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May 6, 2010
Coding Challenge / E/M / modifier 90

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?...

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May 5, 2010
CMS / Hot Coding Topics / ICD-9

CMS Announces Over 100 New ICD9 Codes, Effective Oct. 1

Get ready for the dawn of new jaw pain, BMI codes, among others.

If you’ve got high hopes that you’ll benefit from many new ICD-9 codes starting this fall, CMS delivers, with over 130 new diagnosis codes debuting on Oct....

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May 5, 2010
Coding Challenge / Medicare / modifier

Append Modifier Q6 for Fill-In Physician

Before using modifier Q6 for a non-Medicare patient, check with the commercial payer — here’s why.

Question: We hired a locum tenens for two weeks. Do we code the same for the replacement physician as for a full-time...

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May 2, 2010
Coder's Cranium

Watch Key Conditions to Scratch Eye Allergy Coding Itch

Get the specifics on eye irritation to find the most accurate diagnosis code.

The spring allergy snap will be here soon. Be prepared to treat and code eye irritations to recoup all your deserved reimbursement with this advice from the...

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May 2, 2010
Hot Coding Topics / modifier 25

3 Situations Boost Your Migraine Treatment Smarts

Acute episodes, check-ups are both routine for these patients.

When migraine headache coding comes up, ICD-9 codes typically dominate the conversation.

But what about the procedure codes those complicated migraine diagnoses are attached to? There are several common situations in...

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May 2, 2010
Coder's Cranium

Navigate Your Way to Proper Internal/External Hemorrhoid Coding

Don’t miss CPT 2010 ‘either/or’ instruction for hemorrhoid location.

You can’t choose a hemorrhoidectomy code if you don’t know the distinction between internal and external hemorrhoids. Let our experts guide you through the anatomy and coding maze to help you...

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April 30, 2010
Coding Challenge / CPT / Medicare

Tune in to Video-Conference Cat. III Code

Here’s what you need to explain in your cover letter.
Question: Our doctor has agreed to be a specialty resource for a small rural hospital. She recently provided critical care services for an ER patient with acute seizures

...

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April 30, 2010
Coder's Cranium

Boost Injection Pay — Just Ask, Listen for Missed Items

Uncircled vaccines, administrations could cost your practice 10%.

Think increasing payments in 2010 is a fairy tale? Your magic wand is right at your front desk.

“Check-out coding can have a significant financial impact,” reported Norman “Chip” Harbaugh, MD, in...

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April 28, 2010