Cardiology Coding Alert

CPT® 2013:
93651 and 93652 Make Way for 5 New EP Study and Ablation Codes
When the physician combines multiple services in one session, check these codes first.Many... Read more
93653-+93657 Breakdown Lets You Master New Codes in a Snap
Transseptal puncture is separately reportable ... sometimes.Trying to take in all of CPT&#... Read more
Breaking News:
HCPCS 2013 Modifiers Offer New Coronary Options
But G0290 and G0291 won't have a place on claims any more.HCPCS 2013 has been released, an... Read more
CCI:
33210 and 33211 Edits Emphasize 'Separate Procedure' for Temp PMs
Review modifier changes and column swaps for the full picture.Correct Coding Initiative (C... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
I48.- Range Will Expand Your Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter Options
Caution: Confusing persistent with permanent will lead you to the wrong code.Atrial fibril... Read more
News Flash:
Chronic Venous Hypertension Lands a Spot on Palmetto LCD
Here are 2 good reasons to be sure you're using the most current payer policy.Palmetto GBA... Read more
Reader Question:
Read Up on New POS Rule
Question: I've been expecting to see more information about CMS's place of service (POS) r... Read more
Reader Question:
36475 Payment Covers Small E/M
Question: The physician saw a patient in his office for swelling of the leg that hadn't re... Read more
Reader Question:
37205x1 Is Enough for 2 Graft Stents
Question: The physician is reporting repair of left arm dialysis AV graft with percutaneou... Read more
You Be the Coder:
37205 and 35471 on 1 Claim?
Question: In the left renal artery my doctor performed both angioplasty (35471 and 75... Read more
CPT® 2013:
92982 Swaps Places With 92920 on January 1 -- Plus 12 Other Changes You Need to Know
Procedure during AMI? Soon you'll have a code for that.Before you know it, you'll have dou... Read more
CPT® Overview:
Batten Down the Hatches for Changes to LV Pacing, Thrombectomy, and More
You're 12 bullets away from a better understanding of CPT® 2013.In what's becoming a... Read more
E/M Update:
CPT® 2013 Gives a Nod to NPP E/M Services
Code language will better reflect current practice.CPT® 2013 will revise nearly ever... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
747.0 to Q25.0: Prepare for a Q-Code Switch in 2014
Don't miss the role of Z87.74 when coding this diagnosis.You'll have to mind your Z's and ... Read more
Reader Question:
99238 Reporting Is Limited If Patient Dies
Question: Is it appropriate to bill for hospital discharge if the patient dies?Illinois Su... Read more
Reader Question:
78451 Testing Shouldn't Be Too Frequent
Question: Under CMS billing and compliance rules how many times a year can a provider phys... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Which Device Check is Reportable?
Question: A representative advised us that we could be billing for remote follow-up every ... Read more
ICD-10-CM 414.8 to I25.5:
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Lands Its Own Code Under ICD-10
The new implementation date is set. Are your preparations on track?   Oct. 1, 2014:... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
428.x Pointers Add Precision to Your Heart Failure Coding
Steer clear of an all too common CHF mistake.Millions of people in the U.S. have heart fai... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
414.8 to I25.5: Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Lands Its Own Code Under ICD-10
The new implementation date is set. Are your preparations on track?Oct. 1, 2014: That's th... Read more
Global Periods:
Decode 7 Global Period Indicators to Be Sure You Capture Every Legitimate E/M
Master when the pre-op day is included in the global package, too.Understanding global per... Read more
News You Can Use:
Is Your Practice Experiencing the Dual Chamber Pacemaker Denial Trend?
Give your documentation a shot in the arm with this NGS worksheet.To boost your chances of... Read more
Reader Question:
E/M Covers CVD Marker Review
Question: When the cardiologist documents reviewing BNP and CRP lab results, how should we... Read more
Reader Question:
71020x3 May Do the Trick for Palmetto
Question: If a patient has multiple chest X-rays on the same date, interpreted by the same... Read more
Reader Question:
36416 Coding Is a Maybe
Question: Can we bill separately for 36416, or is the collection included in the E/M code?... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier 33 Supports Certain Preventive Services
Question: Some of our payers deny claims with modifier 33 because they state the modifier ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Decide ICD Codes for This Case
Question: How should I code the following case? The cardiologist removed two ICD lead... Read more
CCI Update Think Outside the Category I Box for Correct Coding Initiative 18.2
If you use 0293T or +0294T, watch out for 339 new edits.   If you code for a cuttin... Read more
News You Can Use:
Future Effect of ACA Decision Remains Up in the Air
Take a look at how the MPPR could reduce cardiology reimbursement in 2013.The United State... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
441.4 and I71.4 Keep Your AAA Coding in Fine Form
These documentation tips apply to both ICD-9 and ICD-10.Smoking, high blood pressure, athe... Read more
Reader Question:
93000 Requires Formal Written Interpretation
Question: What sort of information is required to meet the \"interpretation\" requirement ... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier PD Is Effective July 1
Question: Please explain to me when to use modifier PD. Does this apply to us when a patie... Read more
Reader Question:
37201 Is One Unit for Multiple Days
Question: On day two of thrombolytic therapy, the physician performs RHC, removes the ther... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Consider Cardioversion and ECG
Question: Is it ever possible to report an ECG after elective cardioversion, or is the ECG... Read more
Medicare:
G0275 Joins Cardiac Cath Codes in Limited Circumstances
Tempted to report 75625? Think twice or risk refund requests.Coding peripheral vascular se... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
I25.2 and 412 Look the Same, But Check the Definition of 'Acute' MI
You may need an aftercare code between acute and old for ICD-10. Once ICD-10 is implem... Read more
Part 2:
35475 or 35476 for AV Shunt Angioplasty Depends on 1 Key Factor
Be sure you catch just how much 35475 covers.When CPT® 2012 added instructions for d... Read more
Reader Question:
+0291T Is Your Add-On for OCT
Question: The doctor performed an LHC and used OCT of the LAD (30 to 40 percent plaque). H... Read more
Reader Question:
Learn What's In Store for ICD-9 2013
Question: Are there any ICD-9-cm updates planned for 2013? Iowa Subscriber Answer: N... Read more
Reader Question:
Group Practice? Learn MPPR Rule
Question: Will you explain how the MPPR applies to imaging?Arizona SubscriberAnswer: For 2... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try This Port-a-Cath Pop Quiz
Question: How should I code a non-tunneled Port-a-Cath placement under fluoroscopy for a 5... Read more
Codes to Watch:
92980 May Be Out the Door in 2013 as Part of a Major PCI Overhaul
Plus: The bundling trend could bring reimbursement woes with these EP and PV changes. ... Read more
Reimbursement Watch:
Cardio Office Visits Are on the OIG Radar
Coding education is the recommended fix.Your office visits may be coming under increased s... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
413.9 Will Divide Into 'Other' and 'Unspecified' ICD-10 Options
Don't assume -- let the inclusion notes guide your angina code choice.When ICD-10 rep... Read more
CMS Coverage:
0256T-0259T Decision Memo Is a Must-Read for TAVR Practices
These services may get their own set of Category I codes in 2013.Practices performing tran... Read more
Reader Question:
+93463 Solves the Vasoreactivity Question
Question: How should I code a right heart catheterization with pulmonary vasoreactivity te... Read more
Reader Question:
93287 Comes With Device Rep Warning
Question: Before doing a complete EP study and A-fib ablation, the doctor turned off the I... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Find Code for VVI Placement
Question: How should I code removal of dual chamber pacer, capping of atrial lead, placeme... Read more
Case Study:
93451-+93572: Choose Which Codes Apply to This Cardiac Cath Report
Look past the procedures list to ensure your coding is compliant. Coding cardiac catheter... Read more
Increased Services:
Modifier 22 Claims for Noridian Must Heed This Redetermination Rule
Make a point of checking payment to see if you need to take action.If you're coding for a ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Oct. 1 Is New Effective Date for POS Rule Change
Plan ahead to be sure you have the right code for interpretations. For CMS rules, keeping... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
427.0 and I47.1 Are Almost a Perfect Match
SVT and PSVT fall under the same ICD-10 code.Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is a ... Read more
Reader Question:
93660 Divides Into Pro/Tech
Question: May I append modifier 26 to 93660 if the test was performed outside of our offic... Read more
Reader Question:
V45.81 Is for Aortocoronary Only
Question: Our doctor circled V45.81 (status post bypass) on our superbill for a patient wi... Read more
Reader Question:
79101 Has No Place on 78452 Claim
Question: Why am I getting denials for radiopharmaceutical injection (79101) with MPI (CPT... Read more
Reader Question:
Add IABP Monitoring to E/M
Question: Is there a code for IABP monitoring and maintenance? Codify MemberAnswer: Expert... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report E/M, ECG, and Tobacco Counseling?
Question:  How should I code the following case for an established patient? Mo... Read more
Pacing Systems:
+33225 Confusion? Apply the Official Solution
Pull out the red pen to mark this LV-lead correction in your manual.Certain biventricular ... Read more
Clarification:
Diagnostic Test by NP Has Steep Requirements
Keep Medicare's direct physician supervision rule in mind.The Reader Question "93016 NPI D... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
I46.- Requires Cardiac Arrest's Underlying Cause
Plus: Get the latest on the proposed implementation date.News flash: On April 9, Departmen... Read more
CCI:
+76937 No Longer Needs Modifier 59 With 36147
This isn't an automatic green light for the ultrasound code, though.A recent Correct Codin... Read more
Reader Question:
99144 Requires 16+ Minutes
Question: If the physician documents 36 minutes of moderate sedation, may we report 99144 ... Read more
Reader Question:
447.72 Offers Option for Mild Dilation
Question: My doctor found an enlarged abdominal aorta on physical examination and is order... Read more
Reader Question:
93015 Doesn't Apply for Facility Test
Question: If the cardiologist performs supervision and interpretation for a stress test pe... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier 25 Use Doesn't Depend on ICD-9
Question: I recently heard that you don't need different diagnosis codes when appendi... Read more
Reader Question:
Bolster Rx Management Documentation
Question: Is there a code specific to writing a prescription?Illinois SubscriberAnswer:&nb... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Which Modifier for Bypass Graft?
Question: When the cardiologist places a stent in a coronary bypass graft, which modifier ... Read more
Quiz:
93503 With 71010? See What CCI Has to Say
Plus: Take this pulmonary angiography challenge.You may find answers to your coding questi... Read more
CMS Update:
POS 22 May Land on Your Claims More Often Starting in April
Focus on face-to-face service when choosing your code.CMS has announced a new place of ser... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
I11.- Codes Eliminate Malignant/Benign Dilemma
Have you heard the news about the implementation date?The ICD-10 implementation date has b... Read more
Medical Records:
Keep the 'Five W's' in Mind for Exceptional Documentation
Pay close attention to the ideal 'who' listing for your records.Most of us are familiar wi... Read more
Reader Question:
92960 Includes Related E/M
Question: We've been submitting 99223 for outpatient hospital services (POS 22), but Medic... Read more
Reader Question:
93016 NPI Depends on Provider
Question: If the Nurse Practitioner (NP) is the one who performed the 93016 service and th... Read more
Reader Question:
37221 Doesn't Have to Be Only Pre-Approval Request
Question: My physician is planning to perform left iliac artery angiography followed by st... Read more
You Be the Coder:
37202 for Nitroglycerin Injections?
Question: Can I charge for nitroglycerin injections x 2 when performing a right posterior ... Read more
Part 1:
36147: Grasp New Guidance for Diagnostic AV Shunt Coding
Watch for 2 separately reportable services.Flip through the Surgery section of your 2012 C... Read more
AV Shunt:
36147 Details Will Help Sharpen Your Coding
Get the official word on what makes 75791 different from CPT 36147. CPT Codes can pack... Read more
Lead Repair:
33218 and 33220 Revisions Address Electrode Repair Coding Conundrum
See how to code lead repair and battery change at same session.Coding for electrode repair... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
785.2 Splits Into R01.0 and R01.1 in the New Code Set
Do you know what 'omit code' means for benign murmurs?When details are lacking for a patie... Read more
Reader Question:
427.1 OK for Sustained and Nonsustained
Question: Which code applies to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia?Georgia SubscriberAns... Read more
Reader Question:
37220 and More Include Distal Embolic Protection
Question: How should we code distal embolic protection performed with stenting or angiopla... Read more
Reader Question:
394.9 Covers Chronic Calcification
Question: I am coding a TTE, and the indication for the test is endocarditis. The physicia... Read more
You Be the Coder:
37191-26 for This 2012 Case?
Question: Our doctor did an IVC filter placement. The old codes were 37620, 75940. I was w... Read more
PM Generator:
33221 Joins 33212 and 33213 for Battery Insertion Only
Steer clear of these codes when patient presents to swap the old battery for a new one. ... Read more
Tip:
33214 Includes Battery Change -- Here's How You Know
Plus: Don't miss whether guidelines trump CPT® tables.As you apply the new pacemaker... Read more
CCI 18.0:
93279-93299 Guidelines Are Bolstered by Latest Bundles
Edits reveal how CMS expects you to use 2012 codes. January 1 doesn't just mean th... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
424.1 Splits Multiple Ways Under the New Code Set
Watch for when combo codes are most appropriate.The switch to ICD-10-CM on Oct. 1, 2013, d... Read more
Errata:
99358-99359 Become Clearer With 'Qualified Health Care Professional' Definition
The impact on 90460-90461 has some practices unhappy.At the request of many physicians, CP... Read more
Reader Question:
36245-36248 Land on Selective Cath List
Question: I'm new to the peripheral vascular side of coding, and I'm having trouble distin... Read more
Reader Question:
368.10 Joins Palmetto LCD ICD-9 Options
Question: I saw a notice that our LCD for Noninvasive Vascular Testing (L31712) was revise... Read more
Reader Question:
93015 Includes Stress Agent Admin
Question: When we perform stress tests, may we report an injection code for the administra... Read more
You Be the Coder:
410.31 or 410.32 for Follow-Up?
Question: The patient is seen in the hospital for a 410.31, and then is discharged. The pa... Read more
Electrophysiology:
33202-33211 Get Bulked Up Guidelines in 2012
Hint: Understanding RS&I coding is the key to denial prevention.The huge number of cha... Read more
E/M 2012:
Nip New Patient Questions in the Bud With CPT®'s Latest E/M Tweaks
The AMA's example directly addresses cardiology practices.It's an age-old debate -- w... Read more
Correction:
Correction:
"Crosswalk: 33206 and 71090 No Longer Pair Up for Pacemaker Implant -- Here's Why" in... Read more
Stress Echo Update:
93351-26 Is Correct for Stress Test With Echo in Facility, CPT® Says
Accurate coding depends on which elements your physician performed.Review the 2012 Echocar... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
V72.81 Has Almost Perfect Match in Z01.810
New codes won't free you from needing to track payer preferences.When ICD-10-CM replaces I... Read more
Observation Care:
99224-99226 Are Intended for Treating Physician's Claims
Look to outpatient E/M codes if you don't meet this requirement.In effect for about a year... Read more
Medicare:
Leave Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Visit to Primary Care Providers
If you have a physician who qualifies, watch for 3 key coverage requirements.On Nov. 8, CM... Read more
Reader Question:
+93567 Starts With Repositioning Cath
Question: May we bill +93567 with heart catheterization codes 93451-93461 if there is no... Read more
Reader Question:
93452 Doesn't Require Ventriculography
Question: The physician performed an LHC with no left ventriculography. How should I code ... Read more
Reader Question:
93600 and 93610 Reflect Recording and Pacing
Question: When EP codes refer to recording and pacing, what does this mean?New York Subscr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tag the Proper MUGA Scan Code
Question: During MUGA scans, we use an Ultratag kit. How should we report this?Illinois Su... Read more
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