Coding Challenge / E/M / radiology

Radiology Medical Coders – Tighten Up Your LAP-BAND Coding

If your radiologist performs adjustments during the bariatric surgery’s global period, do this.

Question: Our radiologists perform percutaneous LAP-BAND adjustments. We report S2083 for the service and 77002 for the fluoroscopy. Is this the correct fluoroscopy code?

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Answer:...

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April 26, 2010
CPT / ICD-9 / modifier 22 / modifier 52 / modifier 59 / Modifiers / surgery / Toolkit

8 Simple Steps Organize Your Op Note Coding

This aspect of op note coding is the “horse that pulls the cart.” Stuck on how to tackle this op note or those sitting on your desk? Follow this advice, provided by Melanie Witt, RN, CPC, COBGC, MA, an ob-gyn coding expert based in Guadalupita, N.M. and co-presenter of the “Ob-Gyn Op Notes” session at the [...] Related articles:

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February 11, 2010
Hot Coding Topics

Orthopedic Coding Clinic: Labral Tears

10-2:00 in the op note signals SLAP lesion repair. Even experts can land on the wrong ICD-9 code for SLAP lesion repair, but visualizing the injury region as a clock will help you distinguish one type of SLAP (superior labral anterior posterior) tear from another. Research Patient History for Accurate Diagnosis Having a solid understanding of anatomy and [...] Related articles:

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January 28, 2010
Hot Coding Topics

Podiatry Coding Clinic: G0245 and G0246

Here’s when you may need to get an ABN Medicare policies covering routine foot care for diabetic patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation (LOPS) have been in force since 2002. Yet many still find the related G codes confusing. Today, let’s nail down the what documentation should be in the podiatrist’s note [...] Related articles:

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  3. Diabetes Coding Blunders That Cause Denials Do you know the 5 fourth digits for 250.xx...

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December 10, 2009
Coding Challenge

How Do You Code Sigmoidoscopy with Anoscopy, Biopsy?

Question: Notes indicate that the gastroenterologist performs a rigid sigmoidoscopy; during the encounter, he also performs an anoscopy without anesthesia and three biopsies of the mucous membrane. How should I report this episode? Can I report the exam separately with 46600? Answer: You can report a single code for these three services. On the claim, report 45305 (Proctosigmodoscopy, rigid; with biopsy, single or [...] Related articles:

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October 13, 2009