Anesthesia Coding Alert
READER QUESTIONS:
Separate Diagnoses Help Multi Procedure Claims
Published on Tue Nov 01, 2005
Question: Should I have separate diagnoses when I code for a consult and a pain management procedure that results from the consult findings?
Louisiana Subscriber
Answer: Coding guidelines do not require you to report separate diagnoses to bill for both services. In fact, CPT states, -different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the procedure and the E/M services on the same date.- But having separate diagnoses usually helps smooth claims processing.
In addition, some coders recommend using a generic diagnosis supporting the office visit (such as back pain [724.x, Other and unspecified disorders of back] or stenosis [724.0x, Spinal stenosis, other than cervical]) and a more specific diagnosis (such as spondylolisthesis [756.12]) for the procedure.
Other Articles in this issue of
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
Implementing [...] - Double Lumen Dilemma:
Dig Through Details Before Coding Anesthesia With DLT
Hint: Pay more attention to companion services than DLT
Coders- opinions differ [...] - OB Checkpoint:
4 Keys Help Smooth Out Labor Epidural Coding
Teach your team documentation secrets to get paid consistently
Before you submit a labor epidural claim, [...] - You Be the Coder:
Groshong Code Depends on Service Provided
Question: The anesthesia record lists -Groshong catheter R- as the procedure. How should I code [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Double Check Service for Post-Spinal Headache
Question: How should I code an anesthesia consultation for post-spinal headache?
Mississippi Subscriber
Answer: Correct coding [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Base Hernia Code on Patient's Age
Question: What should I report for anesthesia during an inguinal hernia repair?
Nebraska Subscriber
Answer: The correct [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
00400 Best Bet for Chest Wall Mass Excision
Question: What code should I report for excision of arteriovascular malformation in the chest wall?
Vermont [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Lithotripsy Outweighs Stent Placement
Question: Our physician administered spinal anesthesia during electrohydraulic lithotripsy and double-J stent placement. What codes [...] - 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 or arterial [...] - Sneak Peek:
CPT 2006 Offers New Kyphoplasty and Chemodenervation
Additions and revisions help ensure you code these procedures more accurately
CPT 2006 brings good news [...] - Radiofrequency Round-Up:
Validate Your Options Before Reporting RF of the Dorsal Root Ganglion
Hint: Unlisted might be your best bet
Reporting radiofrequency (RF) of the dorsal root ganglion can [...] - You Be the Coder:
Diagnoses Vary for Subarticular Recess Stenosis
Question: What is the correct diagnosis for subarticular recess stenosis?
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: The correct diagnosis [...] - Documentation Help:
Thorough--BUt Short--Cover Letters Can Boost Pay
Keep these 4 tips in mind when submitting claims with unlisted codes
When you submit a [...] - E/M Focus:
Dig Deeper Into Histories to Justify Higher-level Codes
Thorough documentation of medical history can help your coding cause
Track down all the details you [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Separate Diagnoses Help Multi Procedure Claims
Question: Should I have separate diagnoses when I code for a consult and a pain [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Code Post-op Fascia Iliac Block as Peripheral
Question: An orthopedic surgeon has asked our physicians to begin administering postoperative blocks after total [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Double-injection Reporting Is OK
Question: The physician treated a patient with right shoulder bursitis and right biceps tendonitis. He [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Carriers Bundle Fluoro With 63650
Question: What code do I use for a pars defect injection (L5) under fluoroscopy? The [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Policies Before Coding Lidocaine
Question: Which code should I use for 3 mg of Lidocaine HC?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: If [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Anatomy for Popliteal Nerve Block
Question: How should I code a popliteal nerve block for postoperative pain management?
Texas Subscriber
Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Regional Extremity Block = 01995
Question: What CPT code applies to a caudal block for postoperative pain management? The patient [...]
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