Anesthesia Coding Alert
CPT 2004 Update:
Accommodate Overhaul of Venous Catheter Codes Before Submitting Your Next Claim
Pay special attention to catheter, PICC changes Updates of interest to anesthesia coders ... Read more
Accommodate Overhaul of Venous Catheter Codes Before Submitting Your Next Claim
Pay special attention to catheter, PICC changes Updates of interest to anesthesia coders ... Read more
Spinal Injection Coding, Part 2:
Check Documentation Details for Injections
Treatment stage, modifiers and other services matter Last month, we discussed the importa... Read more
Check Documentation Details for Injections
Treatment stage, modifiers and other services matter Last month, we discussed the importa... Read more
Stay on Track With ESIs
Keep these questions in mind to be sure you've covered all of your spinal injection coding... Read more
Keep these questions in mind to be sure you've covered all of your spinal injection coding... Read more
CPT 2004 Update:
Brace Yourself for an Injection Code Overhaul
The CPT Codes 2004 books are hot off the press, and we've got the scoop on the code chang... Read more
Brace Yourself for an Injection Code Overhaul
The CPT Codes 2004 books are hot off the press, and we've got the scoop on the code chang... Read more
Stop Floundering for Fluoro Reimbursement
Take these 4 steps to get 76005 claims paid If you're suddenly facing a flood of denials ... Read more
Take these 4 steps to get 76005 claims paid If you're suddenly facing a flood of denials ... Read more
Make Claims More Accurate With TOS '09'
Check to see whether your group should change designations If your providers offer more c... Read more
Check to see whether your group should change designations If your providers offer more c... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Transhepatic Broviac Like TIPS
Question: How should I code a transhepatic broviac catheter placement? The anesthesiologis... Read more
Code Transhepatic Broviac Like TIPS
Question: How should I code a transhepatic broviac catheter placement? The anesthesiologis... Read more
Reader Question:
Still Bill TEEs Successfully
Question: Is there any way Medicare will pay for TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) no... Read more
Still Bill TEEs Successfully
Question: Is there any way Medicare will pay for TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) no... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Rule Out Modifier -30
Question: I've never heard of modifier -30, but I have a carrier that requires it on some ... Read more
Don't Rule Out Modifier -30
Question: I've never heard of modifier -30, but I have a carrier that requires it on some ... Read more
Reader Question:
Know What's Unspecified Versus Uncertain
Question: What is the difference between "unspecified" and "uncertain" nature of problems?... Read more
Know What's Unspecified Versus Uncertain
Question: What is the difference between "unspecified" and "uncertain" nature of problems?... Read more
Reader Question:
Report RF and Facet Injections Separately
Question: How should I code radiofrequency facet injections for commercial carriers? Shoul... Read more
Report RF and Facet Injections Separately
Question: How should I code radiofrequency facet injections for commercial carriers? Shoul... Read more
Reader Question:
Prove Necessity of Block Prior to GA
Question: How should I code an interscalene block administered prior to general surgery fo... Read more
Prove Necessity of Block Prior to GA
Question: How should I code an interscalene block administered prior to general surgery fo... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Intradiscal Injection by Site
Question: How should I code an intradiscal injection? Texas Subscriber Answer: Before you... Read more
Code Intradiscal Injection by Site
Question: How should I code an intradiscal injection? Texas Subscriber Answer: Before you... Read more
Reader Question:
Split Codes for Anesthesia and Pain Services
Question: How should I report anesthesia and pain services provided by two physicians duri... Read more
Split Codes for Anesthesia and Pain Services
Question: How should I report anesthesia and pain services provided by two physicians duri... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Details for ESI and Myelogram Coding
Question: How should I code an epidural steroid injection (ESI) performed with a myelogram... Read more
Get Details for ESI and Myelogram Coding
Question: How should I code an epidural steroid injection (ESI) performed with a myelogram... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Question: On what surgical code should I base a claim for a laparoscopic gastric bypass? W... Read more
Coding Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Question: On what surgical code should I base a claim for a laparoscopic gastric bypass? W... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Getting Paid for TEEs
Question: How can we be reimbursed for TEEs (transesophageal echocardiography) with insert... Read more
Getting Paid for TEEs
Question: How can we be reimbursed for TEEs (transesophageal echocardiography) with insert... Read more
NCCI 9.3 Update:
Find Your Way Through More Fluoroscopy Bundles
The latest version of the National Correct Coding Initiative edits bundles guidance for ne... Read more
Find Your Way Through More Fluoroscopy Bundles
The latest version of the National Correct Coding Initiative edits bundles guidance for ne... Read more
Cover All Bases With Spinal Injection Coding
Check these 3 areas to start coding the ins and outs correctly Coding for spinal injectio... Read more
Check these 3 areas to start coding the ins and outs correctly Coding for spinal injectio... Read more
Does Cigna Owe Your Practice Money?
Lawyers representing more than 700,000 physicians across the country recently settled a $5... Read more
Lawyers representing more than 700,000 physicians across the country recently settled a $5... Read more
Think HIPAA Won't Affect Your Coding? Think Again
Note these 3 items of interest The hype didn't end when HIPAA kicked in last month, and s... Read more
Note these 3 items of interest The hype didn't end when HIPAA kicked in last month, and s... Read more
Reader Question:
Split Coding Between Multiple Physicians
Question: I have two scenarios I'd like advice on. First, how should I code a procedure if... Read more
Split Coding Between Multiple Physicians
Question: I have two scenarios I'd like advice on. First, how should I code a procedure if... Read more
Reader Question:
Base Post-Op Coding on Epidural's Use
Question: When an anesthesia provider inserts an epidural catheter for post-op pain manage... Read more
Base Post-Op Coding on Epidural's Use
Question: When an anesthesia provider inserts an epidural catheter for post-op pain manage... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Use -78 and -59
Question: I've been told that I should not usually report modifiers -78 and -59 with... Read more
Know When to Use -78 and -59
Question: I've been told that I should not usually report modifiers -78 and -59 with... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Approach for Pericardial Window Drainage
Question: Which anesthesia code should I report for a pericardial window created for peric... Read more
Check Approach for Pericardial Window Drainage
Question: Which anesthesia code should I report for a pericardial window created for peric... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Switching From MAC to General
Question: The physician began a colonoscopy with MAC (monitored anesthesia care), but then... Read more
Switching From MAC to General
Question: The physician began a colonoscopy with MAC (monitored anesthesia care), but then... Read more
Avoid Claims Congestion:
Correctly Code Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Changing leaves may be a welcome relief from summer, but some less desirable aspects of ... Read more
Correctly Code Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Changing leaves may be a welcome relief from summer, but some less desirable aspects of ... Read more
Select From Plenty of Diagnosis Codes for FESS
With sinus problems becoming common everywhere, diagnoses supporting medical necessity abo... Read more
With sinus problems becoming common everywhere, diagnoses supporting medical necessity abo... Read more
Brachial Plexus Blocks Made Easy
Try these surefire coding strategies Think you're coding brachial plexus blocks co... Read more
Try these surefire coding strategies Think you're coding brachial plexus blocks co... Read more
2004 ICD-9 Changes Will Boost Accuracy
Pay special attention to V codes Don't let your ICD-9 coding fall by the wayside: Incorpo... Read more
Pay special attention to V codes Don't let your ICD-9 coding fall by the wayside: Incorpo... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick the Best Crosswalk for 64680
Question: What anesthesia code corresponds with surgical code 64680 (Destruction by neurol... Read more
Pick the Best Crosswalk for 64680
Question: What anesthesia code corresponds with surgical code 64680 (Destruction by neurol... Read more
Reader Question:
Change Code for Nuss Bar Removal
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during Nuss bar removal? I think 21899 (Unliste... Read more
Change Code for Nuss Bar Removal
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during Nuss bar removal? I think 21899 (Unliste... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Code This Post-Op Bleeding
Question: A patient returned to surgery to control postoperative bleeding after having a s... Read more
Don't Code This Post-Op Bleeding
Question: A patient returned to surgery to control postoperative bleeding after having a s... Read more
Reader Question:
Workers' Comp LESI Codes Vary
Question: A physician performed a lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) on a workers' c... Read more
Workers' Comp LESI Codes Vary
Question: A physician performed a lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) on a workers' c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand PICC Lines and Codes
Question: What is a PICC line, and how should I code it? The physician used it to drain a ... Read more
Understand PICC Lines and Codes
Question: What is a PICC line, and how should I code it? The physician used it to drain a ... Read more
Improve Ob Reporting in 2 Easy Steps
Anesthesia coders and practitioners welcomed the additions and revisions of Ob anesthesia ... Read more
Anesthesia coders and practitioners welcomed the additions and revisions of Ob anesthesia ... Read more
Draw the Line Between Consults and Visits:
Read This Before Coding Your Next Claim
Anesthesia coders don't delve into CPT's E/M codes as often as other specialties... Read more
Read This Before Coding Your Next Claim
Anesthesia coders don't delve into CPT's E/M codes as often as other specialties... Read more
Watch Injection Codes With Ob Services
Anesthesia-specific information sometimes gets lost in the long lists of National Correct ... Read more
Anesthesia-specific information sometimes gets lost in the long lists of National Correct ... Read more
Hold On to Overpayments:
Medicare Won't Demand Them After All
If you've been dreading having to repay Medicare for overpayments you received earlier thi... Read more
Medicare Won't Demand Them After All
If you've been dreading having to repay Medicare for overpayments you received earlier thi... Read more
Follow These 5 Steps to Correct SI Joint Injection Coding
Medical Coding and billing - Physicians often perform sacroiliac (SI) joint injections to... Read more
Medical Coding and billing - Physicians often perform sacroiliac (SI) joint injections to... Read more
New ICD-9 Codes Improve Accuracy ... Somewhat
Pain management practitioners will finally be able to specify muscle and facial weakness d... Read more
Pain management practitioners will finally be able to specify muscle and facial weakness d... Read more
Double-Check Diagnoses for Diabetic Neuropathy
Coding and reimbursement for diabetes care is challenging, partly because the patient ofte... Read more
Coding and reimbursement for diabetes care is challenging, partly because the patient ofte... Read more
Reader Question:
Justify Anesthesia for Colonoscopy
Question: Our anesthesiologist put a patient to sleep so the surgeon could look in the col... Read more
Justify Anesthesia for Colonoscopy
Question: Our anesthesiologist put a patient to sleep so the surgeon could look in the col... Read more
Reader Question:
Know the Differences Between Anesthesias
Question: What is MAC (monitored anesthesia care), and how is it different from general or... Read more
Know the Differences Between Anesthesias
Question: What is MAC (monitored anesthesia care), and how is it different from general or... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Critical Care When Coding
Question: Our anesthesiologist intubated a patient for surgery. The patient was admitted t... Read more
Check Critical Care When Coding
Question: Our anesthesiologist intubated a patient for surgery. The patient was admitted t... Read more
Reader Question:
Follow-Up Vent Management Is Common
Question: Do anesthesiologists follow vent management for patients for more than one day? ... Read more
Follow-Up Vent Management Is Common
Question: Do anesthesiologists follow vent management for patients for more than one day? ... Read more
Reader Question:
Billing E/M and an Injection Can Be OK
Question: Can I code an E/M visit along with an injection? The anesthesiologist discussed ... Read more
Billing E/M and an Injection Can Be OK
Question: Can I code an E/M visit along with an injection? The anesthesiologist discussed ... Read more
Reader Question:
Decide Your Strategy for Billing Blocks
Question: What's the best way to handle billing for the time associated with starting a bl... Read more
Decide Your Strategy for Billing Blocks
Question: What's the best way to handle billing for the time associated with starting a bl... Read more
Reader Question:
Correct Codes Depend on Service
Question: Does an anesthesiologist performing a pain management procedure report the surgi... Read more
Correct Codes Depend on Service
Question: Does an anesthesiologist performing a pain management procedure report the surgi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
No Real Code for Mesh Removal
Question: How should I code for mesh removal? The patient had a ventral hernia repair with... Read more
No Real Code for Mesh Removal
Question: How should I code for mesh removal? The patient had a ventral hernia repair with... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Post-Op Pain Pump by Administration
Question: Is it appropriate to use CPT 01996 (Daily hospital management of epidural or sub... Read more
Code Post-Op Pain Pump by Administration
Question: Is it appropriate to use CPT 01996 (Daily hospital management of epidural or sub... Read more
Bump Up Reimbursement With Qualifying Circumstances Codes
" Medicare Won't Pay, but Others Might If Medicare ... Read more
" Medicare Won't Pay, but Others Might If Medicare ... Read more
Dont Miss These 4 Checkpoints for Documentation
Documentation is such an important area of anesthesia coding that studying the ins a... Read more
Documentation is such an important area of anesthesia coding that studying the ins a... Read more
Reader Question:
Document Block and GA Before Coding
Question: The anesthesiologist administered an interscalene brachial plexus block an... Read more
Document Block and GA Before Coding
Question: The anesthesiologist administered an interscalene brachial plexus block an... Read more
Reader Question:
Count Grafts to Code CABG Correctly
Question: Can I code with both of the precise arterial and venous codes for a CABG (... Read more
Count Grafts to Code CABG Correctly
Question: Can I code with both of the precise arterial and venous codes for a CABG (... Read more
Reader Question:
Diagnosis Helps Justify Post-Op Block
Question: How should I code a femoral nerve block followed by spinal anesthesia during... Read more
Diagnosis Helps Justify Post-Op Block
Question: How should I code a femoral nerve block followed by spinal anesthesia during... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill 72295 Per Level to Match Diskography Codes
Question: We bill diskography per level. Should I also bill CPT 72295 per level, or ... Read more
Bill 72295 Per Level to Match Diskography Codes
Question: We bill diskography per level. Should I also bill CPT 72295 per level, or ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code IV Sticks Separately?
Question: Can we code IV starts separately if they are not part of the anesthesia service?... Read more
Code IV Sticks Separately?
Question: Can we code IV starts separately if they are not part of the anesthesia service?... Read more
Report Invasive Line Placements With These 3 Simple Steps
If you think Swan-Ganz, A-line and central venous catheter (CVP) placements are always i... Read more
If you think Swan-Ganz, A-line and central venous catheter (CVP) placements are always i... Read more
Untangle Line Coding and Medical Direction
One common question regarding line placement is whether medically directing anesthesiologi... Read more
One common question regarding line placement is whether medically directing anesthesiologi... Read more
Is Your Documentation Clear? Check These 3 Areas
Documentation is the anesthesia providers best friend its the key to reimbursement. But i... Read more
Documentation is the anesthesia providers best friend its the key to reimbursement. But i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill Pre-Op Visits Sometimes
Question: How should I code a preoperative visit conducted by the anesthesiologist or CRNA... Read more
Bill Pre-Op Visits Sometimes
Question: How should I code a preoperative visit conducted by the anesthesiologist or CRNA... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dont Fail at Delivery Coding
Question: Our CRNA administered a labor epidural. He constantly monitored the patient whil... Read more
Dont Fail at Delivery Coding
Question: Our CRNA administered a labor epidural. He constantly monitored the patient whil... Read more
Reader Questions:
Aneurysm Coiling Codes Can Vary
Question: What is the correct anesthesia code for aneurysm coiling?Texas Subscriber ... Read more
Aneurysm Coiling Codes Can Vary
Question: What is the correct anesthesia code for aneurysm coiling?Texas Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Modifier -57 Depending on Procedure
Question: Can I append modifier -57 (Decision for surgery) when an initial pain care consu... Read more
Use Modifier -57 Depending on Procedure
Question: Can I append modifier -57 (Decision for surgery) when an initial pain care consu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Anesthesia and Pump Insertion
Question: How should I code a pain-pump insertion when two physicians from the same group ... Read more
Coding Anesthesia and Pump Insertion
Question: How should I code a pain-pump insertion when two physicians from the same group ... Read more
Look at Who Does What If Youre Coding Anesthesia for Eye Surgery
Eye surgeries are some of the most commonly performed outpatient procedures that anest... Read more
Eye surgeries are some of the most commonly performed outpatient procedures that anest... Read more
HCPCS Might Help With IDET Coding
Although intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) doesn't have a specific CPT code (... Read more
Although intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) doesn't have a specific CPT code (... Read more
Full Services for TEE Are Payable Full
Beginning July 1, Medicare will again reimburse anesthesiologists' servi... Read more
Beginning July 1, Medicare will again reimburse anesthesiologists' servi... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Buttock Pain Diagnosis Depends on Site
Question: Which ICD-9 codes should I use for disc protrusion midline at C 4/5 and C 3/4 a... Read more
Buttock Pain Diagnosis Depends on Site
Question: Which ICD-9 codes should I use for disc protrusion midline at C 4/5 and C 3/4 a... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Learn to Report Fluoro Codes Correctly
Question: Can I bill fluoroscopy codes together (such as 76000 for the amount of flu... Read more
Learn to Report Fluoro Codes Correctly
Question: Can I bill fluoroscopy codes together (such as 76000 for the amount of flu... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Injury Determines Torn Tendon Diagnosis
Question: Which diagnosis code applies to "torn peroneus longus and brevis ten... Read more
Injury Determines Torn Tendon Diagnosis
Question: Which diagnosis code applies to "torn peroneus longus and brevis ten... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get Details on Post-Op Pain Management
Question: How should I code postoperative management when the CRNA's notes read, "Po... Read more
Get Details on Post-Op Pain Management
Question: How should I code postoperative management when the CRNA's notes read, "Po... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Know Reason for Pectoralis Repair
Question: How should I code anesthesia during pectoralis repair? Maine Subscriber ... Read more
Know Reason for Pectoralis Repair
Question: How should I code anesthesia during pectoralis repair? Maine Subscriber ... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Coding for Heterotrophic Pregnancy
Question: How should I code a heterotrophic pregnancy? This was a nine-week twin p... Read more
Coding for Heterotrophic Pregnancy
Question: How should I code a heterotrophic pregnancy? This was a nine-week twin p... Read more
Look Past CPT Index to Code RF Neurolysis Correctly
Correct coding for radiofrequency thermoneurolysis depends on ensuring that ... Read more
Correct coding for radiofrequency thermoneurolysis depends on ensuring that ... Read more
Radiofrequency Is Only One Method of Neurolysis
As the field of pain management continues to grow, knowing the differences between var... Read more
As the field of pain management continues to grow, knowing the differences between var... Read more
CCI Edits Mean More Changes for Nerve Block,GI
Version 9.1 of the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, which became effec... Read more
Version 9.1 of the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, which became effec... Read more
Anesthesiologists Can No Longer Unbundle TEE Codes
Anesthesiologists who are certified to place probes or perform other services rel... Read more
Anesthesiologists who are certified to place probes or perform other services rel... Read more
Reader Question:
Sterilization Coding Depends on Delivery
Question: How should I code an elective sterilization after a delivery? California Su... Read more
Sterilization Coding Depends on Delivery
Question: How should I code an elective sterilization after a delivery? California Su... Read more
Reader Question:
Base CABG Graft on Contact Points
Question: If the physician uses one arterial graft but attaches it to two targets, is ... Read more
Base CABG Graft on Contact Points
Question: If the physician uses one arterial graft but attaches it to two targets, is ... Read more
Reader Question:
01996 Is a Fee-for-Service Code
Question: Is 01996 a fee-for-service code or does it have a unit value? Utah Subscrib... Read more
01996 Is a Fee-for-Service Code
Question: Is 01996 a fee-for-service code or does it have a unit value? Utah Subscrib... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Careful When Billing Standby
Question: Should I bill for the anesthesiologist's time during a vaginal birth after c... Read more
Be Careful When Billing Standby
Question: Should I bill for the anesthesiologist's time during a vaginal birth after c... Read more
Reader Question:
Bier Block Coding Is GrayArea
Question: How should I code a Bier block? Should I use an unlisted-procedure code such... Read more
Bier Block Coding Is GrayArea
Question: How should I code a Bier block? Should I use an unlisted-procedure code such... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Guides for Labor and C/S Coding
Question: Two anesthesiologists administered epidurals on a labor patient at different... Read more
Know Guides for Labor and C/S Coding
Question: Two anesthesiologists administered epidurals on a labor patient at different... Read more
Reader Question:
Anesthesia for Digital Block Is Rare
Question: How should I code a digital block of the fingers and toes? Is it appropriate... Read more
Anesthesia for Digital Block Is Rare
Question: How should I code a digital block of the fingers and toes? Is it appropriate... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand Fees,Modifiers for 99135
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
Understand Fees,Modifiers for 99135
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
Tell the Complete Story With New and Revised Arthroscopy Codes
Coding for arthroscopic procedures, which account for as much as 25 percent of some ... Read more
Coding for arthroscopic procedures, which account for as much as 25 percent of some ... Read more
Be Sure Youre Using Correct Arthroscopic Base Units
Updating your computer system to accurately reflect the correct base units is one of t... Read more
Updating your computer system to accurately reflect the correct base units is one of t... Read more
New Conversion Factors Mean Better Reimbursement
Anesthesia providers received encouraging news when CMS announced new conversion facto... Read more
Anesthesia providers received encouraging news when CMS announced new conversion facto... Read more
Correctly Document and Code Teaching Work
New Medicare guidelines require that supervisory physicians working in a teaching sett... Read more
New Medicare guidelines require that supervisory physicians working in a teaching sett... Read more
Reader Question:
Radioelement Placement Options Abound
Question: How should I code anesthesia during transperineal placement of needles or ca... Read more
Radioelement Placement Options Abound
Question: How should I code anesthesia during transperineal placement of needles or ca... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Kyphoplasty By Spinal Site
Question: Which ASA and CPT codes apply to anesthesia for kyphoplasty? Texas Subscrib... Read more
Code Kyphoplasty By Spinal Site
Question: Which ASA and CPT codes apply to anesthesia for kyphoplasty? Texas Subscrib... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Lumbar Codes for L5-S1 Bone Graft
Question: How should I code anesthesia for resection of lateral posterior corner of bo... Read more
Use Lumbar Codes for L5-S1 Bone Graft
Question: How should I code anesthesia for resection of lateral posterior corner of bo... Read more
Reader Question:
P Codes Dont Change Ob Coding
Question: If an ob patient is classified P3, should I report both 01967 and 01968? M... Read more
P Codes Dont Change Ob Coding
Question: If an ob patient is classified P3, should I report both 01967 and 01968? M... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Use Interventional Radiology Codes
Question: The coders in other departments select the appropriate surgical codes before... Read more
Know When to Use Interventional Radiology Codes
Question: The coders in other departments select the appropriate surgical codes before... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Web Space and Mass Exploration
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Web Space and Mass Exploration
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Eliminate Crosswalk Confusion for AAA Endovascular Repairs
CPT codes for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were a... Read more
CPT codes for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were a... Read more
Update Your Base Units
The CMS has identified various inconsistencies in the 2003 Medicare Physician ... Read more
The CMS has identified various inconsistencies in the 2003 Medicare Physician ... Read more
Know Your Options for Dental Reimbursement
Although many medical plans used to include coverage for dental services, that's rarely th... Read more
Although many medical plans used to include coverage for dental services, that's rarely th... Read more
Clarify Reimbursement with Dental Patients
Patient communication is always important,but it is especially necessary prior to ... Read more
Patient communication is always important,but it is especially necessary prior to ... Read more
Work Your Way Through the Maze of RSD Coding
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain disorder of the sympathetic... Read more
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain disorder of the sympathetic... Read more
New 2003 Fees Impact Pain Management Practices
Trigger point, facet joint and epidural injections are the "meat and potatoes" of ... Read more
Trigger point, facet joint and epidural injections are the "meat and potatoes" of ... Read more
Count the Muscles for New TPI Coding
New descriptors for trigger point injections (TPIs) have changed pain manageme... Read more
New descriptors for trigger point injections (TPIs) have changed pain manageme... Read more
Watch Code Changes to Report Racz Catheter Correctly
Controversy has surrounded Racz catheter coding for years because of d... Read more
Controversy has surrounded Racz catheter coding for years because of d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Surgeon Can Help Justify Need for Anesthesia
Question: What should we do to get paid for codes 61624 and 36491? This payer requ... Read more
Surgeon Can Help Justify Need for Anesthesia
Question: What should we do to get paid for codes 61624 and 36491? This payer requ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Do You Bill for Epidural PCA?
Question: I know that Medicare will not cover services associated with epidural pati... Read more
Do You Bill for Epidural PCA?
Question: I know that Medicare will not cover services associated with epidural pati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose the Best Code for Xiphoid Cartilage Injection
Question: How should I code an injection of xiphoid cartilage with a steroid and loc... Read more
Choose the Best Code for Xiphoid Cartilage Injection
Question: How should I code an injection of xiphoid cartilage with a steroid and loc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Epidurals Use Helps Determine Correct Post-Op Coding
Question: A pain-services anesthesiologist placed an epidural to use during a hyster... Read more
Epidurals Use Helps Determine Correct Post-Op Coding
Question: A pain-services anesthesiologist placed an epidural to use during a hyster... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tracheoplasty Coding Help
Question: How should I code a tracheoplasty with vocal-cord medialization? The sur... Read more
Tracheoplasty Coding Help
Question: How should I code a tracheoplasty with vocal-cord medialization? The sur... Read more
Reader Questions:
You Can Code Leg Ligation Several Different Ways
Question: Which anesthesia code is best for a case that says the surgeon ligated fro... Read more
You Can Code Leg Ligation Several Different Ways
Question: Which anesthesia code is best for a case that says the surgeon ligated fro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code 01844 Applies to Cimino Fistula Procedure
Question: What is a Cimino fistula, and how should I code for it? Nevada Subscr... Read more
Code 01844 Applies to Cimino Fistula Procedure
Question: What is a Cimino fistula, and how should I code for it? Nevada Subscr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Carrier Helps Set Chemodenervation and Botox Coding
Question: What are the current chemodenervation codes for Botox injections? New... Read more
Carrier Helps Set Chemodenervation and Botox Coding
Question: What are the current chemodenervation codes for Botox injections? New... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Ganglion Code for Dorsal Root Injection
Question: How should I code for a dorsal root ganglion injection? The doctor say... Read more
Use Ganglion Code for Dorsal Root Injection
Question: How should I code for a dorsal root ganglion injection? The doctor say... Read more
Reader Questions:
Costochondral Injection = Intercostal
Question: How should I code for a costochondral injection?Wisconsin SubscriberAnswer: Cost... Read more
Costochondral Injection = Intercostal
Question: How should I code for a costochondral injection?Wisconsin SubscriberAnswer: Cost... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Lumbar Epidural with Surgical Code
Question: How should I code for lumbar pain epidurals administered by an unsupervise... Read more
Report Lumbar Epidural with Surgical Code
Question: How should I code for lumbar pain epidurals administered by an unsupervise... Read more
Reader Questions:
What Is a Luschka Block?
Question: What is a Luschka block, and how should I code for it? Missouri Subscri... Read more
What Is a Luschka Block?
Question: What is a Luschka block, and how should I code for it? Missouri Subscri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dont Split Times for Crossover Days
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during a procedure that spans two days ... Read more
Dont Split Times for Crossover Days
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during a procedure that spans two days ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill Facet Joint Injections Correctly
Question: Our physician billed +64476 (Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid,... Read more
Bill Facet Joint Injections Correctly
Question: Our physician billed +64476 (Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid,... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for Anesthesiologists Performing H&Ps
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation befo... Read more
Coding for Anesthesiologists Performing H&Ps
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation befo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand Codes for Piriformis Injection
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation be... Read more
Understand Codes for Piriformis Injection
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation be... Read more
CCI 9.0 Has More Edits That Directly Affect Anesthesia Providers
Version 9.0 of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, effective from Jan. 1 to M... Read more
Version 9.0 of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, effective from Jan. 1 to M... Read more
Pay Attention to CCI Edit Deletions Too
It's easy to get so swamped by the new Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundlings each ... Read more
It's easy to get so swamped by the new Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundlings each ... Read more
Conversion Factors Drop,but Work Values Increase
CMS has announced a reduction in the national Physician Fee Schedule conversion fact... Read more
CMS has announced a reduction in the national Physician Fee Schedule conversion fact... Read more
Take Note of Unit Values
Even if codes remain the same from one version of CPT to the next, it's important to c... Read more
Even if codes remain the same from one version of CPT to the next, it's important to c... Read more
Reader Question:
Contrast and Fluoroscopy Determine Codes for an MRI of the Elbow
Question: How should I code an MRI of the elbow? The carrier rejected 24220 (Injection... Read more
Contrast and Fluoroscopy Determine Codes for an MRI of the Elbow
Question: How should I code an MRI of the elbow? The carrier rejected 24220 (Injection... Read more
Reader Question:
Can You Code for CPR Performed Before the Procedure?
Question: Our anesthesiologist was scheduled to place a Port-a-Cath for a lung cancer ... Read more
Can You Code for CPR Performed Before the Procedure?
Question: Our anesthesiologist was scheduled to place a Port-a-Cath for a lung cancer ... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -23 Unnecessary for Intubation After Cardiac Arrest
Question: Our anesthesiologist intubated an intensive care unit patient due to cardiac... Read more
Modifier -23 Unnecessary for Intubation After Cardiac Arrest
Question: Our anesthesiologist intubated an intensive care unit patient due to cardiac... Read more
Reader Question:
Show Medical Necessity for Endoscopy
Question: Does Medicare have specific guidelines regarding reimbursement for 00740 (An... Read more
Show Medical Necessity for Endoscopy
Question: Does Medicare have specific guidelines regarding reimbursement for 00740 (An... Read more
Reader Question:
How Do You Charge for Epidural Along with Delivery?
Question: Should we report 62311 or 62319 for placement of an epidural for delive... Read more
How Do You Charge for Epidural Along with Delivery?
Question: Should we report 62311 or 62319 for placement of an epidural for delive... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Single Code for Arteriogram with Revascularization
Question: What codes should we use for an arteriogram with revascular-ization of the l... Read more
Report Single Code for Arteriogram with Revascularization
Question: What codes should we use for an arteriogram with revascular-ization of the l... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Several Codes When Billing Interscalene Block with MAC
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
Use Several Codes When Billing Interscalene Block with MAC
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
Meet and Beat the Lumbar Puncture Challenge
Focusing on three areas related to diagnostic lumbar punctures and similar procedu... Read more
Focusing on three areas related to diagnostic lumbar punctures and similar procedu... Read more
Describe Services More Accurately With Updated Pump Refill Codes
" You should code each phase of intrathecal pump placement differently, and the differe... Read more
" You should code each phase of intrathecal pump placement differently, and the differe... Read more
Where Can You Learn More?
Information resources for coders are everywhere, so there are many educational options... Read more
Information resources for coders are everywhere, so there are many educational options... Read more
Reader Question:
Is IV Sedation Included in Dental Procedure?
Question: How should I code for IV sedation during wisdom-teeth removal? Is this... Read more
Is IV Sedation Included in Dental Procedure?
Question: How should I code for IV sedation during wisdom-teeth removal? Is this... Read more
Reader Question:
Use the Correct Modifiers for Anesthesia Administration
Question: What practitioner modifier should I use to report 00520 (Anesthesia for ... Read more
Use the Correct Modifiers for Anesthesia Administration
Question: What practitioner modifier should I use to report 00520 (Anesthesia for ... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 01480 for Anesthesia During MBA Implant Procedure
Question: How should I code for MBA implants with a diagnosis of bilateral hallux ... Read more
Report 01480 for Anesthesia During MBA Implant Procedure
Question: How should I code for MBA implants with a diagnosis of bilateral hallux ... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose From Several Codes for Coil Embolization of ASD
Question: What code should I use to report a coil embolization of an arterial septal... Read more
Choose From Several Codes for Coil Embolization of ASD
Question: What code should I use to report a coil embolization of an arterial septal... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Carrier Guidelines for Post-Op Pain Diagnosis
Question: Medicare is denying our claims for postoperative pain management because w... Read more
Know Carrier Guidelines for Post-Op Pain Diagnosis
Question: Medicare is denying our claims for postoperative pain management because w... Read more
Reader Question:
Use a More In-Depth Code for Balloon Dilatation
Question: What surgical and anesthesia codes apply to balloon dilatation of pulm... Read more
Use a More In-Depth Code for Balloon Dilatation
Question: What surgical and anesthesia codes apply to balloon dilatation of pulm... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know How to Code MAC When a Case Is Cancelled
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation befo... Read more
Know How to Code MAC When a Case Is Cancelled
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation befo... Read more