Cardiology Coding Alert
Streamline Your IVUS Coding With 3 Tips
Experts explain how to recoup your practice's ultrasound pay When cardiologists perf... Read more
Experts explain how to recoup your practice's ultrasound pay When cardiologists perf... Read more
E/M Audit Results, Part 3:
How's Your MDM Coding Accuracy? Read What Your Peers Say
If you're having trouble pinning down the right level of medical decision-making (MDM), yo... Read more
How's Your MDM Coding Accuracy? Read What Your Peers Say
If you're having trouble pinning down the right level of medical decision-making (MDM), yo... Read more
Correction and Additions:
Peripheral Vascular Case Study: What You Need to Know
In the October 2003 Cardiology Coding Alert, the article "Peripheral Vascular Case Study: ... Read more
Peripheral Vascular Case Study: What You Need to Know
In the October 2003 Cardiology Coding Alert, the article "Peripheral Vascular Case Study: ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Coumadin Therapy to Support Test
Question: Patients often come in for a Protime test with a diagnosis of "Coumadin therapy.... Read more
Use Coumadin Therapy to Support Test
Question: Patients often come in for a Protime test with a diagnosis of "Coumadin therapy.... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Apply SPECT Codes for Extremities
Question: One of our physicians performed a thallium scan of a lower extremity with SPECT ... Read more
Don't Apply SPECT Codes for Extremities
Question: One of our physicians performed a thallium scan of a lower extremity with SPECT ... Read more
Reader Question; Avoid Modifier -51 for EP Studies
Question: Which modifiers should we use when reporting intracardiac electrophysiological s... Read more
Question: Which modifiers should we use when reporting intracardiac electrophysiological s... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Modifier -55 for Cardiologist's Post-Op Care
Question: Often, when our cardiac surgeon performs a surgical procedure, another cardiolog... Read more
Append Modifier -55 for Cardiologist's Post-Op Care
Question: Often, when our cardiac surgeon performs a surgical procedure, another cardiolog... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pacer Pocket Treatment
Question: A patient who had a pacemaker implanted on Sept. 15 returned to the hospital wit... Read more
Pacer Pocket Treatment
Question: A patient who had a pacemaker implanted on Sept. 15 returned to the hospital wit... Read more
NCCI 9.3 Update:
Get the Lowdown on New Coronary Intervention, Pacer Bundles
You know you shouldn't report nonselective catheterization in addition to selective cathet... Read more
Get the Lowdown on New Coronary Intervention, Pacer Bundles
You know you shouldn't report nonselective catheterization in addition to selective cathet... Read more
Are You Appending Modifier -59 Too Frequently?
Don't risk unwanted payer scrutiny When you add modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service)... Read more
Don't risk unwanted payer scrutiny When you add modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service)... Read more
E/M Audit Results, Part 2:
How to Take the Stress Out of Exam Component Coding
Experts offer 4 tips to make sure your systems add up Assigning the right exam level duri... Read more
How to Take the Stress Out of Exam Component Coding
Experts offer 4 tips to make sure your systems add up Assigning the right exam level duri... Read more
Bone Up on the E/M Guideline Distinctions
Determining whether to use the 1995 or 1997 guidelines isn't always easy, but you'll need ... Read more
Determining whether to use the 1995 or 1997 guidelines isn't always easy, but you'll need ... Read more
Pacer Checks Update:
CMS Modifier -TC Billing
If you're concerned about how to report the technical component (-TC) to Medicare for pace... Read more
CMS Modifier -TC Billing
If you're concerned about how to report the technical component (-TC) to Medicare for pace... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Reduced Services for No Skin Pocket
Question: How should we bill for a pacemaker procedure when our physician inserted the pac... Read more
Report Reduced Services for No Skin Pocket
Question: How should we bill for a pacemaker procedure when our physician inserted the pac... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 99211-99215 for Inpatient Follow-Ups
Question: One of the cardiologists in my group insists on billing an established patient o... Read more
Use 99211-99215 for Inpatient Follow-Ups
Question: One of the cardiologists in my group insists on billing an established patient o... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Prolonged Services for Dual Stent Placement
Question: The cardiologist placed one stent in the obtuse marginal vessel and one stent in... Read more
Report Prolonged Services for Dual Stent Placement
Question: The cardiologist placed one stent in the obtuse marginal vessel and one stent in... Read more
Reader Question :
Save Yourself Construction Costs
Question: Are physical barriers available to prevent patients and visitors from viewing co... Read more
Save Yourself Construction Costs
Question: Are physical barriers available to prevent patients and visitors from viewing co... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Modifiers for Left Heart Cath With Imaging
Question: What codes should I use for a left heart catheterization with a selective corona... Read more
Modifiers for Left Heart Cath With Imaging
Question: What codes should I use for a left heart catheterization with a selective corona... Read more
What You Need to Know to Get Your ABI Billing Right
We'll tell you how to report handheld Doppler services When your cardiologist uses a hand... Read more
We'll tell you how to report handheld Doppler services When your cardiologist uses a hand... Read more
E/M Audit Results:
Part 1: Are You Puzzled by the E/M Guidelines?
You're having trouble deciphering the current E/M documentation guidelines, so you're look... Read more
Part 1: Are You Puzzled by the E/M Guidelines?
You're having trouble deciphering the current E/M documentation guidelines, so you're look... Read more
Peripheral Vascular Case Study:
Get a Grip on Left Heart Caths With PTAs
Let our experts show you the PV ropes If coding heart catheterizations - particularly proc... Read more
Get a Grip on Left Heart Caths With PTAs
Let our experts show you the PV ropes If coding heart catheterizations - particularly proc... Read more
Reader Question:
Report E/M for Procainamide Challenge Studies
Question: Which code should we use for a procainamide challenge study? Our cardiologist us... Read more
Report E/M for Procainamide Challenge Studies
Question: Which code should we use for a procainamide challenge study? Our cardiologist us... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill Prolonged Services for Ibutilide Infusion
Question: How should I report an IV infusion of Ibutilide for a patient referred to our ... Read more
Bill Prolonged Services for Ibutilide Infusion
Question: How should I report an IV infusion of Ibutilide for a patient referred to our ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use E/M Code for Follow-Up Groin Checks
Question: Our physicians do follow-up groin checks in the office after cardiac catheteriza... Read more
Use E/M Code for Follow-Up Groin Checks
Question: Our physicians do follow-up groin checks in the office after cardiac catheteriza... Read more
Reader Question:
Apply J7051 for Saline With Bubble Study
Question: When a physician performs an in-office 2-D echocardiogram, should I report the s... Read more
Apply J7051 for Saline With Bubble Study
Question: When a physician performs an in-office 2-D echocardiogram, should I report the s... Read more
Reader Question:
Consult Carrier Rules for Adenosine
Question: Should we be billing J0151 for the actual amount of Adenosine used during a nucl... Read more
Consult Carrier Rules for Adenosine
Question: Should we be billing J0151 for the actual amount of Adenosine used during a nucl... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Echo With Contrast
Question: How should I report echocardiography with contrast? Also, what codes should I bi... Read more
Echo With Contrast
Question: How should I report echocardiography with contrast? Also, what codes should I bi... Read more
How Are You Billing Those Pacer Checks?
What you should report when you don't own the equipment Do pacemaker representatives come ... Read more
What you should report when you don't own the equipment Do pacemaker representatives come ... Read more
How to Bill Nuclear Scan Extras
If you're not reporting 78478 and 78480 for wall motion and ejection fraction studies with... Read more
If you're not reporting 78478 and 78480 for wall motion and ejection fraction studies with... Read more
Get a Grip on First-Pass Studies
Here's what you'll need to know to bill 78496 You're clear on myocardial perfusion ad... Read more
Here's what you'll need to know to bill 78496 You're clear on myocardial perfusion ad... Read more
Pre-Op EKGs:
Quick Reimbursement Tips
All too often, cardiologists perform preoperative electrocardiograms (EKGs) and either don... Read more
Quick Reimbursement Tips
All too often, cardiologists perform preoperative electrocardiograms (EKGs) and either don... Read more
Bill Pre-Op EKG Documentation Right
To further strengthen your case that the pre-op EKG is a separate, medically necessary p... Read more
To further strengthen your case that the pre-op EKG is a separate, medically necessary p... Read more
Billing TEE as Monitoring Versus Diagnostic
Spot the difference or forfeit reimbursement Time to start digging through your files. As... Read more
Spot the difference or forfeit reimbursement Time to start digging through your files. As... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Use Both 93640 and 93641
Question: What is the difference between 93640 and 93641? Can I report both codes at the s... Read more
Don't Use Both 93640 and 93641
Question: What is the difference between 93640 and 93641? Can I report both codes at the s... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Angiography for Left Iliac Stent
Question: How should I report the following procedure: The physician inserted a catheter i... Read more
Report Angiography for Left Iliac Stent
Question: How should I report the following procedure: The physician inserted a catheter i... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Days Separate for Thallium Injections
Question: During a nuclear scan, a patient received 3.0 mci of thallium, and images were t... Read more
Keep Days Separate for Thallium Injections
Question: During a nuclear scan, a patient received 3.0 mci of thallium, and images were t... Read more
Reader Question:
No Modifiers for Dobutamine Stress Test
Question: Which codes should we bill for a dobutamine stress test? We are using 93015 and ... Read more
No Modifiers for Dobutamine Stress Test
Question: Which codes should we bill for a dobutamine stress test? We are using 93015 and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Handle Carotid Angioplasties With Care
Question: One of our new cardiologists will be performing carotid angioplasty and stents. ... Read more
Handle Carotid Angioplasties With Care
Question: One of our new cardiologists will be performing carotid angioplasty and stents. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Append -22 or Use Unlisted-Procedure Code for Percusurge
Question: How should we code Percusurge procedures? We've tried using the unlisted-procedu... Read more
Append -22 or Use Unlisted-Procedure Code for Percusurge
Question: How should we code Percusurge procedures? We've tried using the unlisted-procedu... Read more
Reader Question:
Go With 33225 for Coronary Sinus Venography
Question: Is coronary sinus venography included in 33225?Washington Subscriber Answer: Cor... Read more
Go With 33225 for Coronary Sinus Venography
Question: Is coronary sinus venography included in 33225?Washington Subscriber Answer: Cor... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observation Admission Prior to Heart Cath
Question: Our cardiologist dictated an observation admission note (comprehensive history, ... Read more
Observation Admission Prior to Heart Cath
Question: Our cardiologist dictated an observation admission note (comprehensive history, ... Read more
NCCI 9.2 Update:
Initial Coronary Interventions Bundle Additional Vessel Work: What You Need to Know
Think you've got interventional coronary procedure coding beat? Think again. A dozen new N... Read more
Initial Coronary Interventions Bundle Additional Vessel Work: What You Need to Know
Think you've got interventional coronary procedure coding beat? Think again. A dozen new N... Read more
News You Can Use:
NCCI 9.2 Reduces Wait for Pacer Lead Repositioning
NCCI version 9.2 edits, effective July 1, establish a one-day wait period for repositionin... Read more
NCCI 9.2 Reduces Wait for Pacer Lead Repositioning
NCCI version 9.2 edits, effective July 1, establish a one-day wait period for repositionin... Read more
Need More ICD-9 Codes for Grafts, Cardiomyopathy?
Solution on the Way If you're looking for a better way to specify graft occlusion for hear... Read more
Solution on the Way If you're looking for a better way to specify graft occlusion for hear... Read more
Think You've Made Your Case for Modifier -22? Not if You Haven't Done These 5 Things
If you're submitting claims for unusual procedural services without first determining how ... Read more
If you're submitting claims for unusual procedural services without first determining how ... Read more
Test Yourself:
Opt for -22 Over an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Our physician asks us to report procedures that take extra time and effort wit... Read more
Opt for -22 Over an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Our physician asks us to report procedures that take extra time and effort wit... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Iliofemoral Angiography for Left Femoral Artery
Question: Which codes should I use for the following iliofemoral angiography procedure? Th... Read more
Report Iliofemoral Angiography for Left Femoral Artery
Question: Which codes should I use for the following iliofemoral angiography procedure? Th... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Next-Day Interventions After Heart Cath
Question: One of our patients had a left-heart catheterization on Thursday and returned to... Read more
Report Next-Day Interventions After Heart Cath
Question: One of our patients had a left-heart catheterization on Thursday and returned to... Read more
Reader Question:
Code PFO Sizing
Question: How should I code a combined right heart catheterization (RHC) and left heart ca... Read more
Code PFO Sizing
Question: How should I code a combined right heart catheterization (RHC) and left heart ca... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Your Coding Poison Based on Documentation
Question: How should I decide whether managing excessive bleeding that requires extra phys... Read more
Choose Your Coding Poison Based on Documentation
Question: How should I decide whether managing excessive bleeding that requires extra phys... Read more
You Be the Coder:
BNP Test Code
Question: How should I code a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test? One of my physicians w... Read more
BNP Test Code
Question: How should I code a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test? One of my physicians w... Read more
Coding Peripheral Vessel Angioplasties:
What You Need to Know
You're up to speed on reporting percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties ... Read more
What You Need to Know
You're up to speed on reporting percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties ... Read more
Apply What Youve Learned:
3 PTA Coding Scenarios
If you'd like some practice coding peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTA... Read more
3 PTA Coding Scenarios
If you'd like some practice coding peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTA... Read more
Quick Fix for Doppler and Color Flow Reports
You could be losing about $100 in Medicare reimbursement every time you fail to repor... Read more
You could be losing about $100 in Medicare reimbursement every time you fail to repor... Read more
2 Sample Dopplers:
What Your Reports Should Show
For good examples of echocardiography reports that clearly indicate Doppler pulsed or con... Read more
What Your Reports Should Show
For good examples of echocardiography reports that clearly indicate Doppler pulsed or con... Read more
News Brief:
Be on the Lookout for ICD Report Boost
You could be coding more cardio-defibrillator reports soon. CMS plans to expand coverage f... Read more
Be on the Lookout for ICD Report Boost
You could be coding more cardio-defibrillator reports soon. CMS plans to expand coverage f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use 33200-33201 for Epicardial Lead Placement
Question: Our cardiologist placed a left ventricular epicardial lead to re-establish bive... Read more
Use 33200-33201 for Epicardial Lead Placement
Question: Our cardiologist placed a left ventricular epicardial lead to re-establish bive... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Arterial Codes for Venous Studies
Question: Our practice's superbill includes the following ICD-9 Codes for arterial s... Read more
Avoid Arterial Codes for Venous Studies
Question: Our practice's superbill includes the following ICD-9 Codes for arterial s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 93015 With Stress Echo
Question: Should I report 93015 with the codes for stress echocardiograms: 93350, 93320 a... Read more
Report 93015 With Stress Echo
Question: Should I report 93015 with the codes for stress echocardiograms: 93350, 93320 a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
CHF Evaluation With Echo
Question: What are the correct codes to use in this scenario: An established patient calls... Read more
CHF Evaluation With Echo
Question: What are the correct codes to use in this scenario: An established patient calls... Read more
Billing Ablations:
What You Should Always Do To Avoid Unnecessary Losses
Electrophysiology (EP) studies can include ablations, but these procedures might not ju... Read more
What You Should Always Do To Avoid Unnecessary Losses
Electrophysiology (EP) studies can include ablations, but these procedures might not ju... Read more
Reporting Ablations:
A Clip-and-Save Checklist
1. Bill ablation codes 93650, 93651 and 93652 separately from the electrophysiology stud... Read more
A Clip-and-Save Checklist
1. Bill ablation codes 93650, 93651 and 93652 separately from the electrophysiology stud... Read more
Need Help With Right Heart Caths? Experts Tell You How
If coding right heart catheterizations particularly procedures that include Swan-Ganz c... Read more
If coding right heart catheterizations particularly procedures that include Swan-Ganz c... Read more
G Code Update:
Still Puzzled by G0275 and G0278? Answers Forthcoming
The debate regarding correctly billing G0275 and G0278 the new HCPCS codes for rena... Read more
Still Puzzled by G0275 and G0278? Answers Forthcoming
The debate regarding correctly billing G0275 and G0278 the new HCPCS codes for rena... Read more
Correction to February article
The February 2003 Cardiology Coding Alert article "Keep Tabs on Stent Injuries in Brachy... Read more
The February 2003 Cardiology Coding Alert article "Keep Tabs on Stent Injuries in Brachy... Read more
Reader Question :
Times Up for Pacer Battery
Question: Which diagnosis code should I report when a pacemaker battery dies? Nevada Sub... Read more
Times Up for Pacer Battery
Question: Which diagnosis code should I report when a pacemaker battery dies? Nevada Sub... Read more
Reader Question :
Include Vein Puncture With Pacemaker Placement
Question: Our cardiologist would like to bill 36010 with her dual pacemaker insertion. S... Read more
Include Vein Puncture With Pacemaker Placement
Question: Our cardiologist would like to bill 36010 with her dual pacemaker insertion. S... Read more
Reader Question :
Use 36200 for Extremity Aortogram
Question: How should I code this suprarenal aortography procedure: After puncturing the ... Read more
Use 36200 for Extremity Aortogram
Question: How should I code this suprarenal aortography procedure: After puncturing the ... Read more
Reader Question :
Brachiocephalic Artery Requires 36215
Question: How should I code the following procedure: The physician placed a catheter in ... Read more
Brachiocephalic Artery Requires 36215
Question: How should I code the following procedure: The physician placed a catheter in ... Read more
Reader Question :
Use Vein Cath Codes for Renal Venograms
Question: How should I code the following renal venogram procedure: After cannulating th... Read more
Use Vein Cath Codes for Renal Venograms
Question: How should I code the following renal venogram procedure: After cannulating th... Read more
Reader Question :
Coronary Stent Removal Requires S&I
Question: One of our surgeons removed a stent from the coronary artery through a transca... Read more
Coronary Stent Removal Requires S&I
Question: One of our surgeons removed a stent from the coronary artery through a transca... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Two Balloons,Two Procedures?
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Two Balloons,Two Procedures?
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
NCCI 9.1 Update:
Look Out for Bundling in SPECT and Cardiac Cath Coding
The latest National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits version 9.1, effective in... Read more
Look Out for Bundling in SPECT and Cardiac Cath Coding
The latest National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits version 9.1, effective in... Read more
Prevent Catch-22 Situations in Coronaries With Modifier -22
When cardiologists encounter unexpected difficulties during coronary vessel interventi... Read more
When cardiologists encounter unexpected difficulties during coronary vessel interventi... Read more
5 Tips for Writing Summary Letters to Avert Appeals
Going the extra mile to convince Medicare and third-party payers that a coronary procedu... Read more
Going the extra mile to convince Medicare and third-party payers that a coronary procedu... Read more
Clarification
The April 2003 Cardiology Coding Alert article "Drug-Eluting Stents Open Channels for In... Read more
The April 2003 Cardiology Coding Alert article "Drug-Eluting Stents Open Channels for In... Read more
Take to Heart The Big Four When Coding Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterizations
The key to successfully coding and gaining reimbursement for diagnosti... Read more
The key to successfully coding and gaining reimbursement for diagnosti... Read more
A Diagnostic Catheterization Recap
Heart catheterization coding follows two basic guidelines: knowing where the physician p... Read more
Heart catheterization coding follows two basic guidelines: knowing where the physician p... Read more
New G Codes Alter Renal and Iliac Angiography Billing
If you're wondering how to apply G0275 and G0278 the new HCPCS codes for renal an... Read more
If you're wondering how to apply G0275 and G0278 the new HCPCS codes for renal an... Read more
Reader Question:
Carotid Studies Require Selective Catheterization
Question: Our cardiologist positioned a catheter in the patient's aortic arch and perfor... Read more
Carotid Studies Require Selective Catheterization
Question: Our cardiologist positioned a catheter in the patient's aortic arch and perfor... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Modifier -59 for Rest and Stress Echos With Doppler
Question: How should I report a resting echocar-diogram and stress echocardiogram perfo... Read more
Append Modifier -59 for Rest and Stress Echos With Doppler
Question: How should I report a resting echocar-diogram and stress echocardiogram perfo... Read more
Reader Question:
Verify Angioplasty With Cutting Balloon
Question: Our cardiologist's operative report states that he performed a cutting-balloon... Read more
Verify Angioplasty With Cutting Balloon
Question: Our cardiologist's operative report states that he performed a cutting-balloon... Read more
Reader Question:
Establish Guidelines to Eliminate Place-of-Service Denials for Heart Caths
Question: We occasionally receive denials for heart catheterizations, stating that the ... Read more
Establish Guidelines to Eliminate Place-of-Service Denials for Heart Caths
Question: We occasionally receive denials for heart catheterizations, stating that the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill for Temporary Pacemakers During Cardiac Catheterizations
Question: Our physicians frequently place temporary pacemakers during heart catheterizat... Read more
Bill for Temporary Pacemakers During Cardiac Catheterizations
Question: Our physicians frequently place temporary pacemakers during heart catheterizat... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 93514 for Left Ventricular Punctures
Question: When should we report 93514? Code 93528 (Combined right heart catheterization ... Read more
Report 93514 for Left Ventricular Punctures
Question: When should we report 93514? Code 93528 (Combined right heart catheterization ... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Directional Atherectomies From Angioplasties
Question: Occasionally, we see the words "cutting balloon" used in our physician's cardi... Read more
Distinguish Directional Atherectomies From Angioplasties
Question: Occasionally, we see the words "cutting balloon" used in our physician's cardi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Brachytherapy After Angioplasty
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Brachytherapy After Angioplasty
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diagnostic Documentation Required for Coronary Angiography
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Diagnostic Documentation Required for Coronary Angiography
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Drug-Eluting Stents Open Channels for Increased Reimbursement Flow
Cardiology practice coders accustomed to reporting 92980 and 92981 for the insertion of a... Read more
Cardiology practice coders accustomed to reporting 92980 and 92981 for the insertion of a... Read more
Devise an EPS Coding System
Deciphering complex comprehensive EPS reports can be challenging, but the process can b... Read more
Deciphering complex comprehensive EPS reports can be challenging, but the process can b... Read more
Look at the Whole Picture When Coding EP Studies
You'll be well on the way to coding comprehensive intracardiac electrophysiologic studi... Read more
You'll be well on the way to coding comprehensive intracardiac electrophysiologic studi... Read more
Test Yourself:
A Comprehensive EPS Report Example
Practice your comprehensive EPS coding skills by supplying codes for the following scen... Read more
A Comprehensive EPS Report Example
Practice your comprehensive EPS coding skills by supplying codes for the following scen... Read more
New Codes Allow Reimbursement For Home Coumadin Tests
Beginning in 2003, cardiology practices are able to monitor mechanical heart valve pati... Read more
Beginning in 2003, cardiology practices are able to monitor mechanical heart valve pati... Read more
Reader Question:
Mitral Valve Review Requires Fluoroscopy
Question: Is there a code for fluoroscopy of the mitral valve with a heart catheterizat... Read more
Mitral Valve Review Requires Fluoroscopy
Question: Is there a code for fluoroscopy of the mitral valve with a heart catheterizat... Read more
Reader Question:
Guarantee Medical Necessity for 37202
Question: We recently billed 37202 for transcatheter therapy during stent and angioplast... Read more
Guarantee Medical Necessity for 37202
Question: We recently billed 37202 for transcatheter therapy during stent and angioplast... Read more
Reader Question:
Carriers Bundle Selective Renal Arteriography With Heart Catheterization
Question: Recently, some insurance companies have been bundling bilateral selective rena... Read more
Carriers Bundle Selective Renal Arteriography With Heart Catheterization
Question: Recently, some insurance companies have been bundling bilateral selective rena... Read more
Reader Question:
Identify Saphenous Vein Graft Stents
Question: What code combination should I use for maximum reimbursement for the following... Read more
Identify Saphenous Vein Graft Stents
Question: What code combination should I use for maximum reimbursement for the following... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill for 24-Hour EKG Event Monitoring
Question: How should we bill for postsymptom monitors? The new requirements indicate tha... Read more
Bill for 24-Hour EKG Event Monitoring
Question: How should we bill for postsymptom monitors? The new requirements indicate tha... Read more
5 Key Questions Take the Tension out of Nuclear Stress Test Coding
More and more cardiology practices are using nuclear stress tests to assess myocardia... Read more
More and more cardiology practices are using nuclear stress tests to assess myocardia... Read more
Nuclear Stress Test Coding Checklist
PLEASE NOTE - Some of the codes suggested in the article below (in the white area) a... Read more
PLEASE NOTE - Some of the codes suggested in the article below (in the white area) a... Read more
Keep Reimbursement Flowing With Coumadin Coding Checkup
If you're not up to speed on two crucial aspects of Coumadin monitoring in-office fin... Read more
If you're not up to speed on two crucial aspects of Coumadin monitoring in-office fin... Read more
Test Yourself:
Nuclear Test Case Study
How much do you really know about coding nuclear stress tests? Try supplying the cod... Read more
Nuclear Test Case Study
How much do you really know about coding nuclear stress tests? Try supplying the cod... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Modifier -26 for Intravascular Ultrasound
Question: When a physician performs intravascular ultrasound (92978) in a hospital outp... Read more
Append Modifier -26 for Intravascular Ultrasound
Question: When a physician performs intravascular ultrasound (92978) in a hospital outp... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Angioplasty in 3 Vessels
Question: Our physician performed a cutting balloon angioplasty on the left subclavian... Read more
Report Angioplasty in 3 Vessels
Question: Our physician performed a cutting balloon angioplasty on the left subclavian... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 93544 for Nonselective Aortic Root Imaging
Question: One of our cardiologists performed a left heart catheterization with left vent... Read more
Use 93544 for Nonselective Aortic Root Imaging
Question: One of our cardiologists performed a left heart catheterization with left vent... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill In-Office Conscious Sedation With TEE
Question: Is conscious sedation billable if trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) is p... Read more
Bill In-Office Conscious Sedation With TEE
Question: Is conscious sedation billable if trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) is p... Read more
Keep Tabs on Stent Injuries in Brachytherapy Coding to Avoid Denials
When reporting intracoronary brachytherapy codes, make sure you have documentation suppo... Read more
When reporting intracoronary brachytherapy codes, make sure you have documentation suppo... Read more
Tips for Coding Intracoronary Brachytherapy
For some extra help coding brachytherapy procedures, take a look at the following intra... Read more
For some extra help coding brachytherapy procedures, take a look at the following intra... Read more
CCI Update:
New Pacer Codes Bundle Device Implants
Cardiology coders may not be very concerned about the most recent Correct Coding Initiat... Read more
New Pacer Codes Bundle Device Implants
Cardiology coders may not be very concerned about the most recent Correct Coding Initiat... Read more
Interim RVUs for New CPTCodes
Post this handy list, which includes the code descriptions and the current relative valu... Read more
Post this handy list, which includes the code descriptions and the current relative valu... Read more
Fee Schedule Shows Diagnostic Procedure Reductions
Under the 2003 fee schedule, which CMS published in the Dec. 31, 2002, Federal Regis... Read more
Under the 2003 fee schedule, which CMS published in the Dec. 31, 2002, Federal Regis... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Modifier -76 Rather Than Modifier -25 for Restenting
Question: One of our physicians stented a patient's proximal left anterior descending co... Read more
Use Modifier -76 Rather Than Modifier -25 for Restenting
Question: One of our physicians stented a patient's proximal left anterior descending co... Read more
Reader Question:
Use New Code for Bilateral Iliac Wall Graft Stenting
Question: Do 37205 (Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent[s], [non-coronary ... Read more
Use New Code for Bilateral Iliac Wall Graft Stenting
Question: Do 37205 (Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent[s], [non-coronary ... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Modifier -59 for Temporary Pacemaker
Question: Our cardiologist performed a left-heart catheterization (LHC) on a patient. Du... Read more
Append Modifier -59 for Temporary Pacemaker
Question: Our cardiologist performed a left-heart catheterization (LHC) on a patient. Du... Read more
Reader Question:
Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmia Goes Unspecified
Question: Should I use ICD-9 code 198.89 (Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specifie... Read more
Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmia Goes Unspecified
Question: Should I use ICD-9 code 198.89 (Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specifie... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Abdominal Aortagram with Runoff
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Coding Abdominal Aortagram with Runoff
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Don't Take Hits Below the Belt When Coding Abdominal Arteries
Some cardiology coders, accustomed to the familiar pathways of the heart, may view th... Read more
Some cardiology coders, accustomed to the familiar pathways of the heart, may view th... Read more
Documentation of S/I Findings Is Crucial to Payment
The physician's procedure report must specifically describe the results of the radiolog... Read more
The physician's procedure report must specifically describe the results of the radiolog... Read more
Analyze Office Visits to Avoid Underpayment for Counseling
Tracking patient counseling and coordination-of-care time during an office visit can ... Read more
Tracking patient counseling and coordination-of-care time during an office visit can ... Read more
Electrode Placement Is Key to Coding Biventricular Procedures
CPT now contains a handful of brand-new pacemaker and cardioverter defibrill... Read more
CPT now contains a handful of brand-new pacemaker and cardioverter defibrill... Read more
Bone Up on Biventricular Mechanism and Insertion Basics
Understanding how biventricular pacing systems work and what the implantation procedur... Read more
Understanding how biventricular pacing systems work and what the implantation procedur... Read more
Tack on 33225 for New Left Ventricular Leads
If the cardiologist is putting in a totally new biventricular system, regardless of whe... Read more
If the cardiologist is putting in a totally new biventricular system, regardless of whe... Read more
Reader Question:
Use New Codes for Repositioning Pacers
Question: How should we code the following procedure? The cardiologist repositioned a ... Read more
Use New Codes for Repositioning Pacers
Question: How should we code the following procedure? The cardiologist repositioned a ... Read more
Reader Question:
Correct Pocket Revision Denial
Question: Can we bill 33233 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator) and 33222 ... Read more
Correct Pocket Revision Denial
Question: Can we bill 33233 (Removal of permanent pacemaker pulse generator) and 33222 ... Read more
Reader Question:
Link the Right CHF Codes to Biventricular Procedures
Question: One of our cardiologists diagnosed a 50-year-old patient with congestive he... Read more
Link the Right CHF Codes to Biventricular Procedures
Question: One of our cardiologists diagnosed a 50-year-old patient with congestive he... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Induced Fibrillation With ICD Implants
Question: Please explain how to code the following procedure: One of our patients had ... Read more
Code Induced Fibrillation With ICD Implants
Question: Please explain how to code the following procedure: One of our patients had ... Read more
Reader Question:
CCI Version 9.0 Addresses Ultrasonic Guidance With TEE
The latest edition of the national Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits version 9.0,... Read more
CCI Version 9.0 Addresses Ultrasonic Guidance With TEE
The latest edition of the national Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits version 9.0,... Read more
Reader Question:
Intravascular Ultrasound Bundled With LHC?
Question: One of our managed-care plans insists that 92978 should be bundled with left ... Read more
Intravascular Ultrasound Bundled With LHC?
Question: One of our managed-care plans insists that 92978 should be bundled with left ... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Viability Scanning
Question: What is a viability scan and how should I code it? One of our physicians per... Read more
Check Viability Scanning
Question: What is a viability scan and how should I code it? One of our physicians per... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Lesion Detours When Coding Angiograms
Question: Please explain how to code the following: The physician accessed the right fe... Read more
Beware Lesion Detours When Coding Angiograms
Question: Please explain how to code the following: The physician accessed the right fe... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep an Eye on Angioplasties Below the Knee
Question: One of our cardiologists performed a right superficial femoral angiogram with ... Read more
Keep an Eye on Angioplasties Below the Knee
Question: One of our cardiologists performed a right superficial femoral angiogram with ... Read more
Reader Question:
Billing 93799 for Biventricular Interrogation
Question: Would you give me some direction on how to bill for interrogation, analysis a... Read more
Billing 93799 for Biventricular Interrogation
Question: Would you give me some direction on how to bill for interrogation, analysis a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Unsuccessful Pacemaker Insertion
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Unsuccessful Pacemaker Insertion
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Untangle PCP Referral Challenges
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lookin... Read more
Untangle PCP Referral Challenges
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lookin... Read more