CPT 2010 / Hot Coding Topics

PQRI: No Coumadin Due to Fall Risk

Plus, experts at the AMA meeting in Chicago tell you what to do if you can’t get H1N1 vaccine for PQRI Measure 110 or other vaccine measures. Question: My internist decided not to put a patient on Coumadin because the patient has a higher risk of falling than from having a stroke. Our group participates in [...] Related articles:

  1. Smokin’ PQRI Pointers We’ve got the G codes you need to score...
  2. Make Sure These Errors Don’t Sink Your PQRI BonusCMS shows which issues sidelined these practices. Most practices would...
  3. Track Payer’s Preferred H1N1 Admin Code — or Risk RejectionsCode 488.1 does not = confirmed lab. Swine flu has...

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November 13, 2009
CPT / Hot Coding Topics

2010 Tumor Excision Coding: Lesion Vs. Chunk Size

Straight from the AMA in Chicago — answers to your lesion excision coding questions for 2010. Question: A thigh lesion measures 2 cm but requires a resection down to the subcutaneous layer of 4 cm. Which lesion excision code should I use? Answer: “You should use the larger of the subcutaneous codes,” says Albert E. Bothe, Jr, [...] Related articles:

  1. Lesion Excision Coding Challenge: 2 Lesions, 1 CutQuestion: Our nonphysician practitioner (NPP) discovers a pair of benign...
  2. Shave Duplicate Lesion Excision Denials Question: Our dermatologist shaved three epidermal lesions that the...
  3. Payer Update: NGS Directives Vs. Proper Skin Lesion CodingIgnore the LCD and stick with what you know about...

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November 13, 2009
Coding Challenge / modifier 50

Is 30901 Your Nosebleed Code? Not So Fast?

Hint: Look for these keywords in the note to select the correct nosebleed code. Question: The internist stops a patient’s nosebleed. Is this always a procedure? Answer: No, if a patient reports with a nosebleed and the physician stops the bleeding with basic methods, you’ll typically opt for the appropriate-level E/M code. E/M methods: Code minimal attempts at [...] Related articles:

  1. Can You Code ‘Buddy Taping’ Separately? Question: An established patient complains of pain in her...
  2. Should You Code Presenting Symptoms Along With Dx? Question: An established patient complains of trouble breathing and...
  3. How Do I Code Blood Draw Plus E/M?Question: An established type II diabetic patient comes in for...

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November 11, 2009
Coding Challenge

Does CNS Count as NP for Time-Based Coding?

CNS = NP = PA for CPT, but Check State Law Question: Does a certified nurse specialist (CNS) count as a nurse practitioner (NP) for reporting 99213 based on time? Answer: Yes, for CPT purposes, a certified nurse specialist billing under his own provider number counts the same as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. So if [...] Related articles:

  1. Asthma Attack Coding: When To Use Prolonged or High-Level E/M     Checklist deters payback requests for insufficient +99354...
  2. E/M Coding Basics: MDM Maximizes Payup for Hepatitis Diagnosis4 ways to get what your practice really deserves for...
  3. Mid-Level E/M Coding BreakdownOur chart shows you how to choose among 99212, 99213 &...

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October 26, 2009
Hot Coding Topics / radiology

5 Lessons Radiology Coders Should Learn From CCI 15.3

Wonder if there’s a method to the 76001 madness? Here’s where to look for answers. The silver lining to the 18,000 Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) that just came rumbling in with CCI 15.3. Analyzing them can help you master radiology coding essentials — including follow-up CTs, fluoro, and more. Apply these five lessons to keep your claims looking [...] Related articles:

  1. CCI 15.0 Update for Radiology Coders 76942 and 78808 on a single claim needs a...
  2. What Interventional Radiology Coders Should Know About CCI 15.1 EXTRA–Radiology Reimbursement WEBINAR: Do you know the difference between...
  3. CCI 15.0 Update for Orthopedic Coders Consider Nerve Blocks, Injections Inherent to Most New Ortho...

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October 15, 2009