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Anesthesia Coding Alert

CPT 2006 Update:
AMA Redefines Conscious Sedation Coding--Here's What You Need to Know
Caution:  Anesthesia coders should steer clear if your MD provides MAC Implement... Read more
Double Lumen Dilemma:
Dig Through Details Before Coding Anesthesia With DLT
Hint:  Pay more attention to companion services than DLT Coders- opinions differ... Read more
OB Checkpoint:
4 Keys Help Smooth Out Labor Epidural Coding
Teach your team documentation secrets to get paid consistentlyBefore you submit a labor ep... Read more
Sneak Peek:
CPT 2006 Offers New Kyphoplasty and Chemodenervation
Additions and revisions help ensure you code these procedures more accuratelyCPT 2006 brin... Read more
Radiofrequency Round-Up:
Validate Your Options Before Reporting RF of the Dorsal Root Ganglion
Hint: Unlisted might be your best betReporting radiofrequency (RF) of the dorsal root gang... Read more
Documentation Help:
Thorough--BUt Short--Cover Letters Can Boost Pay
Keep these 4 tips in mind when submitting claims with unlisted codesWhen you submit a clai... Read more
E/M Focus:
Dig Deeper Into Histories to Justify Higher-level Codes
Thorough documentation of medical history can help your coding causeTrack down all the det... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Double Check Service for Post-Spinal Headache
Question: How should I code an anesthesia consultation for post-spinal headache?Mississipp... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Base Hernia Code on Patient's Age
Question: What should I report for anesthesia during an inguinal hernia repair?Nebraska Su... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
00400 Best Bet for Chest Wall Mass Excision
Question: What code should I report for excision of arteriovascular malformation in the ch... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Lithotripsy Outweighs Stent Placement
Question: Our physician administered spinal anesthesia during electrohydraulic lithotripsy... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
OK to Report Flat-fee, Time-Based Services Together
Question: How should I report flat-fee procedures (such as Swan-Ganz catheters, TEE probes... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Separate Diagnoses Help Multi Procedure Claims
Question: Should I have separate diagnoses when I code for a consult and a pain management... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code Post-op Fascia Iliac Block as Peripheral
Question: An orthopedic surgeon has asked our physicians to begin administering postoperat... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Double-injection Reporting Is OK
Question: The physician treated a patient with right shoulder bursitis and right biceps te... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Carriers Bundle Fluoro With 63650
Question: What code do I use for a pars defect injection (L5) under fluoroscopy? The physi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Policies Before Coding Lidocaine
Question: Which code should I use for 3 mg of Lidocaine HC?Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Anatomy for Popliteal Nerve Block
Question: How should I code a popliteal nerve block for postoperative pain management? Tex... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Regional Extremity Block = 01995
Question: What CPT code applies to a caudal block for postoperative pain management? The p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Groshong Code Depends on Service Provided
Question: The anesthesia record lists -Groshong catheter R- as the procedure. How should I... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diagnoses Vary for Subarticular Recess Stenosis
Question: What is the correct diagnosis for subarticular recess stenosis? Ohio SubscriberA... Read more
Medical Direction 101:
Does Stepping Outside the OR Quality for Modifiers QY or QK?
Clarify 'present and immediately available' up front to help your medical-direction claims... Read more
Criteria Checkpoint:
Follow CMS Rules for Coding Medical Direction
Be sure doctors meet all 7 guidelinesBefore you start adding medical-direction or supervis... Read more
Edits Update:
NCCI Puts TEE in the Crosshairs
New edits bundle some venipuncture, G codesIf your anesthesiologists perform TEE (transeso... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Discuss Whether 52 Applies to AICD Case
Question: What anesthesia code should I report for an automatic implantable cardioverter... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Add Time for 01952, but Not for 01953
Question: When should I bill 01952 and 01953? How should I report the time associated with... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Opt for 00104 During Electroconvulsive Therapy
Question: Can we report anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy? If so, what is the corre... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Retrobulbar Reporting Is OK (Maybe)
Question: The anesthesiologist performed a retrobulbar block before a patient's cataract s... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Work With Carrier on Multi-Physician Cases
Question: How should I report labor epidurals involving two anesthesiologists (one begins ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Base Instrumentation Code on Levels
Question: The surgeon inserted spinal instrumentation on a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbod... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Whether Pre-Op Check Meets Consult Criteria
Question: The anesthesiologist performed the pre-surgical assessment on an inpatient (she ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Patient's Position Helps Set Urinary Stim Code
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes for placing a stimulator with... Read more
You Be the Coder:
CRNAs and Pre-Op Evaluations
Question: Can a CRNA employed by the anesthesiologist perform pre-anesthesia evaluations? ... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Enhance Medical Necessity Documentation With More Specific Codes
Your practice will dictate how they affect youThe newest edition of ICD-9 (effective Oct. ... Read more
V Code Rundown:
New Personal History V Codes Help Show Medical Necessity
Look for changes to V12, V13 and V15 seriesWhile you-re familiarizing yourself with the ne... Read more
Pain Management Corner:
New ICD-9 Codes Explain Conditions Better
Detailed diagnoses help with current and long-term care ICD-9 now makes your pain man... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Include 3 Codes for NIPS
Question: What are the surgical and anesthesia codes for noninvasive pacemaker defibrill... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose From Several Diastasis Recti Codes
Question: Which CPT Codes and anesthesia codes apply to the repair of diastasis recti?Utah... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
List Payment Modifiers, Then Informational Ones
Question: Our locum tenens anesthesiologist directed one CRNA during a case. Which modifie... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
No Need to Justify MAC Turned GA
Question: The patient could not tolerate the procedure under MAC (monitored anesthesia car... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Bill 01991, 01992 Instead of Conscious Sedation
Question: Can our anesthesiologist at the surgical center receive reimbursement when he ad... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check Guidelines Before Coding Duramorph
Question: Our anesthesiologist administers Duramorph injections for post-op pain following... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Search Documentation to Justify Colonoscopy
Question: Our carrier is denying MAC anesthesia for a colonoscopy. Do you have any thought... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Dealing With Modifier Overflow
Question: When should I report modifier 99, and where should I record it? Florida Subscrib... Read more
E/M Coding Focus:
Rely on These 4 Criteria to Correctly Report 99211 Cases
Watch out:  Use this code as a catch-all and prepare to see your reimbursement-and co... Read more
Self-Check:
Test Your 00211 Knowledge With These Real-Life Scenarios
Do refills and follow-ups count?Anesthesia and pain management practitioners don't perform... Read more
Extra Service Advantage:
Report Doppler Separate From TEE Placement
Don't miss extra reimbursement if you meet criteriaFocusing your energy on coding TEE prob... Read more
Diagnosis Details:
Use Your Carrier's Policy to Demystify TEE Justification
Hint: You need to include these detailed diagnosis codesThe next time you find yourse... Read more
NCCI Edit Update:
Be Careful: The Rules for Reporting Injections Have Changed
These common pain management procedures now include 3 popular G codesThe National Correct ... Read more
Details Count:
Steer Clear of These Traps When You're Reporting SI Joint Radiofrequency
Hint:  Location is key when determining correct codes"Performed radiofrequency (RF) t... Read more
Pain Management Tip:
Balance Your Numbers of Diskograms and Interpretations
Don't let unequal reporting cost you reimbursementThe use of diskograms versus MRI scans a... Read more
Terminology Tip:
Be Clear on 'Diskography' vs 'Diskogram'
Some people use the words "diskogram" and "diskography" interchangeably, but the terms act... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code 01967 for Transferred Labor Patient
Question: Our anesthesiologist began an epidural for a labor patient and periodically moni... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Think Before Appending AA to All Claims
Question: Is it appropriate to append modifier AA to all claims for services the anesthesi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Rely on 01967 for Some C-Sections
Question: The anesthesiologist saw a patient for cesarean section due to failure to progre... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Bier Block's Purpose
Question: The anesthesiologist administered a Bier block during a carpel tunnel release. D... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check for This Resident Ratio
Question: What guidelines exist regarding the ratio of teaching anesthesiologists to resid... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Double-Check Notes for Multi-Injection Encounter
Question: Our pain physician performed a lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) and SI j... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Select TPI Code Based on Numbers
Question: How would I code a visit that included a trigger point injection and epidurograp... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Report TPI Codes for Piriformis Injection
Question: Our physician injected the patient's piriformis muscle because it was in a spasm... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Submit V58.89 as Post-op Diagnosis
Question: Several carriers deny our claims for brachial plexus blocks or other peripheral ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Treat Pars Defect Injection as Facet Joint
Question: What code do I use for a pars defect injection (L5) under fluoroscopy? The physi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Confirm Spinal Block Location for Fluoro Code
Question: Can I report fluoroscopy in conjunction with pain management blocks? If so, what... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Groshong Removal Code
Question: What is the correct code for removal of a Groshong catheter? New Jersey Subscrib... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Lumbar Plexus Injection-Not Infusion
Question: How do I bill a single lumbar plexus injection instead of continuous infusion?... Read more
NCCI 11.2 Update:
Submit Accurate Line Coding Claims With the Help of This Tutorial
Edits bundle sequential IV push with central line placements, epiduralsIf your group routi... Read more
Medical Direction 101:
Work With Your Carrier to Define 'Short Duration'
Know whether extra services help or hurt your claim Your anesthesiologist is medical... Read more
Guideline Help:
Georgia Sets the Bar for Clarifying Medical Direction
A few simple answers can make coding medical direction a whole lot easier If you have trou... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Submit Supra-Orbital Block With 64400
Question: How should I code a supra-orbital block for postherpetic neuralgia? The physicia... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Report Line Placements, but Not Time
Question: One anesthesiologist in our group routinely goes to the pre-op area to insert li... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Bill 99201-99205 for Orthopedic H&P
Question: Can we bill for a patient's history and physical when we provide the anesthesia ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Document Before Adding 51 to Epi Injection
Question: Our physician administered two mid-line lumbar epidural injections at different ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Opt for 00400 for Lumbar Puncture
Question: Our physician has been asked to administer general anesthesia during a patient's... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Your Hand at Coding for Partial Service
Question: Our anesthesiologist worked with a surgeon during an epiaortic echocardiogram. T... Read more
Heads Up:
Sneak a Peek at ICD-9 Changes That Could Affect Your Practice
New codes for kidney disease, weight, and joint surgery get specificJust because the new I... Read more
Pain Management Focus:
Protect Yourself From SI Joint Injection Downcoding
Home in on 4 areas to keep carriers from slashing justifiable payment Sacroiliac (SI) join... Read more
Technique Terminology:
Differentiate Arthrography And Fluoro for SI Injections
Both techniques have their place for confirmation, guidance A physician can opt for either... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
See 62311 or 62319 for Post-Op Caudal Block
Question: What CPT code should I report for a "caudal block" for post-op pain?... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Full Stomach May Qualify as Emergency
Question: Does CPT include a code for when the anesthesiologist indicates the patient has ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check CRNA and MD Work Before Coding
Question: Our rural hospital employs one CRNA and one anesthesiologist. Our state allows t... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Preview Preterm Labor Monitoring Guidelines
Question: The hospital admitted a patient for pre-term labor. Our anesthesiologist evaluat... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use 01964 for Treatments Related to Abortion
Question: Is code 01964 only for spontaneous and induced abortions? I'm coding for a misse... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Verify Carrier Preference for Cordis Catheter
Question: Our anesthesiologist inserted a Cordis catheter, which he says is similar to a S... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Epidural's Purpose Determines Coding Options
Question: Our anesthesiologist administered an epidural while a patient had bilateral abov... Read more
Listserv Spotlight:
Investigate Details Before Coding Consult With Epi Blood Patch
Sometimes bill for both services, sometimes only one When a surgeon calls in your anesthe... Read more
Test Yourself:
Base Charging for Consult and Epi Patch Placement on Several Circumstances
Key: Verify vital details with the anesthesiologist before coding the caseLook at the enti... Read more
Blood Patch Basics:
FAQs About Epidural Blood Patches
Brush up with these fundamental factsQ: What is an epidural blood patch?A: The provider pe... Read more
TEE Update:
Physicians Begin Using TEE for Noncardiac Cases
Be sure to report cases correctly in new circumstances Anesthesiologists have used trans... Read more
Lumbar Lowdown:
Follow These 3 Steps to Clean Lumbar Plexus Block Claims
Plus: The secret to differentiating lumbar sympathetic destructions When you code for a s... Read more
NCCI 11.1 Update:
Incorporate These New Debridement, Arthrodesis Edits
Check the status indicator to determine what you can unbundleIf your pain management group... Read more
Mid-Year HCPCS Changes:
Get Up to Speed With New Q Code Requirements
Pair these 13 new codes with LOCM contrast agent billing Have you entered new Q codes int... Read more
Reader Questions:
Denver Shunt = Peritoneal-Venous Shunt
Question: What is a Denver shunt, and how should I code the procedure? Louisiana Subscribe... Read more
Reader Questions:
No Extra Charges for Difficult Intubation
Question: What is the best way to bill for difficult intubations? Should we append a mod... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check With MD Before Coding IVC Filter
Question: What is the best code for anesthesia during IVC (inferior vena cava) filter inse... Read more
Reader Questions:
74420 Crosses to 01922
Question: The surgeon used urography while performing a cysto with ureteral stent placemen... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid 99052 and 99054 for Anesthesia
Question: Is it appropriate to use codes 99052 and 99054 when reporting anesthesia for aft... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Base 64448 on Time
Question: Can we bill for 64448? How should we report it if the patient comes in as an out... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append Modifiers for Bilateral Procedure
Question: Our pain management physician performs unilateral facet injections, but he would... Read more
Reader Questions:
Study Opinions for Botox for Hyperhidrosis
Question: How should I code a Botox injection for hyperhidrosis? Should I resort to an unl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Modifier Use on Carrier
Question: Should I report modifiers when the physician performs diskography at multiple lu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit 64449 for Post-Op Lumbar Block
Question: Our anesthesiologist administered a lumbar plexus block for post-op pain relief.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Auriculotemporal Nerve Block = 64450 or 64640
Question: How should I code an auriculotemporal nerve block?South Carolina Subscriber Ans... Read more
Reader Questions:
Same-Day Celiac Plexus Block and Destruction
Question: Our physician performed a celiac plexus block on a patient with pancreatic cance... Read more
Reader Questions:
Occipital Nerve Block, Posterolateral Knee Injection
Question: Our physician has begun performing several new injections I'm not sure about cod... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Case Determines Fiberoptic Intubation Reporting
Question: How should we code fiberoptic intubations? It seems that the coders I've spoken ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verify Guidelines for Pulsed Radiofrequency
Question: What code should I report for pulsed radiofrequency? I have information stating ... Read more
Hot-Button Topic:
When Is Coding Anesthesia During GI Endoscopy Legit? Answer May Surprise You
Hint: It could depend on medical necessity Carrier guidelines and surgeon preferences rel... Read more
MAC Versus General:
Brush Up on These Critical Definitions to Accurately Identify MAC Cases
Tip: Don't forget to study updated ASA guidelines Surgeons often request anesthes... Read more
NCCI Update:
Know the Latest Edits Before Coding for IV Push
Version 11.1 bundles G0354 into all anesthesia procedures If your anesthesia professionals... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Guides for CRNA as Locum Tenens
Question: One of our CRNAs will be on extended medical leave, so the group wants to hire a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choosing Between 01967 and 01968
Question: South Carolina Medicaid states, "when a vaginal delivery becomes a c-section and... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pick Higher-Base Code for Multiple Procedures
Question: Our physician provided anesthesia during a procedure that included 52332 and 744... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Cases Before Charging Concurrencies
Question: One of our anesthesiologists has seven concurrent cases for one day. What should... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask Carrier Before Coding Dental Exam
Question: How should I code a dental exam performed under anesthesia?Florida Subscriber A... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 00220 for VP Shunt Revision
Question: What diagnosis should I report for a non-functioning VP shunt? What code is for ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill 00532 for Attempted Port-a-Cath
Question: How should I code an attempted Port-a-cath insertion? Should I report the anesth... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code 00530 for Reveal Loop Recorder
Question: What anesthesia code is appropriate for implantation of a Reveal loop recorder? ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Research 'Undesired Fertility' Diagnosis
Question: I'm coding for a laparoscopic tubal ligation with a diagnosis of "undesired fert... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Is Blood Transfusion Bundled?
Question: Our "facility" has been reporting 36430 when our anesthesia providers perform th... Read more
Bottom-Line Booster:
Document Details for Field Avoidance - Little Things Add Up to Extra Units
What statements like 'airway shared with surgeon' mean for your reimbursement Last month ... Read more
Definition Time:
The Secret to Identifying Field Avoidance - and When You Can Charge for It
Hint: Positions can make a difference A chart hits your desk with notes about field av... Read more
Case Study:
Cover Bases With Consults Leading to PM Procedures
Check out these 4 areas if you're getting denials A patient comes to your pain management... Read more
Diagnosis 101:
Search for ICD-9 Specificity When Coding PM Procedures
Detailed diagnoses can be the difference between acceptance and rejectionYour job as a cod... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lab Code 85390 and TEG
Question: Can I report laboratory code CPT 85390 (Fibrinolysins or coagulopathy screen, in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Look for PM Codes in Cross-References
Question: Several pain management procedures our physicians perform are not included in ou... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Consult Related to Paralysis Reversal
Question: The surgeon called our anesthesiologist to reverse paralysis on a patient for ne... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use 33212-33213 for Pacemaker Battery Change
Question: Which CPT Codes and ICD-9 codes apply to changing a pacemaker battery? Wash... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Guides for CRNA Administering LESI
Question: Our CRNA administered a lumbar epidural steroid injection. How should I code thi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Can You Bill Biopsy With Kyphoplasty?
Question: Our physician administered anesthesia during a case involving a biopsy along wit... Read more
Check the Details:
Are You Missing Fees for Field Avoidance?
Carriers might allow extra units that boost bottom lines A chart crosses your desk th... Read more
Add It Up:
Calculate Units Correctly for Field Avoidance Pay
Accurate billing depends on identifying the correct base-unit charge To receive corre... Read more
Pain Management Focus:
Remember Modifier -50 for Bilateral Procedures
But don't forget -LT and -RT as possible optionsPhysicians perform many pain management pr... Read more
Final Bilateral Checkpoint:
Documentation During Process Can Help Reimbursement
Keep track of these detailsEvery coder knows that even the smallest details can sometimes ... Read more
Pain-Free Payments:
Investigating Details Helps You Get Paid for Post-Op Pain Epidurals
Check these 5 areas to help claims through the processIt happens all the time - so often, ... Read more
Clip-and-Save List:
Close the Door on Post-Op Claims Returns
Check these areas if they keep coming back If your post-op pain management claims are retu... Read more
Version 11.0 Update:
NCCI Bundles New G Codes Into Injection, Catheter Codes
Watch for these editsNational Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits that went into effect... Read more
Correction:
Don't Report 0027T for IDET
The December 2004 issue of Pain Management Coding Alert has an error regarding the code fo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Intrathecal Cath Dye Study = 75809
Question: What code applies to an intrathecal catheter dye study under fluoroscopy?Michiga... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Add Modifier -53 for Failed Labor Epidural
Question: Our anesthesiologist attempted a patient's labor epidural three times. Anesthesi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Confirm Anesthesia Mode With Physician
Question: I'm confused about how to report a knee manipulation with anesthesia. The anesth... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Modifier for Return to OR
Question: How should I code a patient's return to the operating room on the same day? The ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code Higher Base for Multi-CABG Procedure
Question: A patient underwent a two-vessel CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) procedure o... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Billing an Epidural With Fluoroscopy
Question: Can we report fluoroscopy with 62311 for an epidural injection?Washington Subscr... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Count Diskography Levels for Reporting 72295
Question: If a physician performs diskography at  C5-6, L1-2, L3-4 and L5-6, how many... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Charging IV Start for PCA Pump
Question: Can I report the IV start for PCA (patient-controlled anesthesia)? Our physician... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Understand Coding TC, Fluoro With Diskography
Question: If the physician performs multiple levels  of diskography, does the facilit... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Diagnosis for 62311
Question: Most of our carriers consistently deny our claims with 62311. The physician mark... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Yes, a CRNA Can Bill 01996
Question: Can I report code 01996 for daily management of an epidural if a CRNA performed ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code With 64420 or 64421 for Post-Op Paravertebral Block
Question: Which code should I report for paravertebral blocks used for post operative pain... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ask Carrier About Isovolemic Hemodilution
Question: Our anesthesiologist performed isovolemic hemodilution during a radical prostate... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting a Follow-Up Consult
Question: Our anesthesiologist completed a patient's preoperative assessment before femora... Read more
NCCI Update:
Coders Begin 2005 With Almost 550 Edits That Bundle Anesthesia Codes
 Version 11.0 focuses on new codesAnesthesia providers won't get paid for services as... Read more
All in the Anesthesia Family:
2 Edits List 1 Anesthesia Service As Component of Another
Watch pain management coding with new anesthesia code 00561 Two edits in the National Cor... Read more
Modifier Know-How:
Does MAC Service Qualify for Modifier -23?
The answer might surprise you You know the routine: Your practitioner provides anesthesia... Read more
MAC Versus General:
Be Conscious of Patients' States Before Coding
Rely on physician, not notes, to verify type of anesthesiaBefore coding a case as MAC (mon... Read more
Correction:
Don't Report 0027T for IDET
The December 2004 issue of Pain Management Coding Alert has an error regarding the code fo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include All Codes for Follow-up Hip Replacement
Question: A patient had total hip arthroplasty. Three weeks later, she returned for closed... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 01961 for Planned C-Section and Tubal
Question: Our anesthesiologist says he performed a c-section with tubal ligation PCEA (pat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Return to OR for Tracheostomy Problem
Question: A patient underwent a tracheostomy for chronic respiratory failure with prolonge... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Which Code Is for Pars Interarticularis Injection?
Question: Which codes apply to a pars interarticularis defect facet injection? The physi... Read more
Case Study:
Put the Pieces Together for an Accurate Shoulder Surgery Claim
Follow these 6 steps to handle procedure, block and aftercare coding The case: An anesthe... Read more
CD-9 Checkpoint:
Show Nerve Block Necessity With This Quick Key
Don't let faulty diagnosis coding shortchange your claims CMS publishes a relatively shor... Read more
Pain Management Focus:
Preauthorize Your Way to Prompt Payment
Check our tips for easy processing Coders who focus solely on anesthesia claims occasiona... Read more
Preauthorization Know-How:
Track Carriers to Keep Needs Straight
Service location, specific plan can dictate your steps Precertification and preauthorizat... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Consider Options for Pectus Bar Removal
Question: Which surgical and anesthesia codes apply to pectus bar removal? Texas Subscribe... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Report 93503 for Combo S-G and CVP Port
Question: Some of our providers are using a new Swan-Ganz device that includes a side port... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check Procedure for Introducer-Only Coding
Question: Our physician inserted an introducer, but not the line. How should I code this?M... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Know the Steps for Spinal Cord Stim Coding
Question: How many specific codes make up the entire spinal cord stimulator process?Minnes... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Propofol With GA or MAC
Question: I've been told that if the practitioner uses propofol, it constitutes general an... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Gain Extra Units With Modifier -AD
Question: A conference speaker said Medicare pays an extra unit for modifier -AD if the ph... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Anesthesia Plan for Discontinued Case
Question: A Medicare patient came in for outpatient surgery on his nose and sinuses, but h... Read more
Available Years:  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999