Cardiology Coding Alert
CPT® 2021 Guidelines:
Understand Included Services, Follow Reporting Rules to Ace New CPT® 2021 Congenital Cardiac Anomaly Shunting Codes
Hint: Never append modifier 63 to code 33741. In the article “Sort Through These Conge... Read more
Understand Included Services, Follow Reporting Rules to Ace New CPT® 2021 Congenital Cardiac Anomaly Shunting Codes
Hint: Never append modifier 63 to code 33741. In the article “Sort Through These Conge... Read more
E/M 2021:
5 Tips Boost Your 2021 E/M Office and Outpatient Codes Skills
You will no longer report code 99201 after Jan. 1, 2021. During past issues of Cardiology... Read more
5 Tips Boost Your 2021 E/M Office and Outpatient Codes Skills
You will no longer report code 99201 after Jan. 1, 2021. During past issues of Cardiology... Read more
Denials:
Create Straightforward Payer Contracts to Prevent Denials
Remember: Trend and track denials in your practice to find the root of the problem. Dur... Read more
Create Straightforward Payer Contracts to Prevent Denials
Remember: Trend and track denials in your practice to find the root of the problem. Dur... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Thinking About Reporting 36556? Not so Fast
Question: My cardiologist placed an arterial line for continuous blood pressure monitoring... Read more
Thinking About Reporting 36556? Not so Fast
Question: My cardiologist placed an arterial line for continuous blood pressure monitoring... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Miss These New CPT® 2021 Guidelines
Question: I was looking through my CPT® 2021 coding manual and noticed some additional gu... Read more
Don’t Miss These New CPT® 2021 Guidelines
Question: I was looking through my CPT® 2021 coding manual and noticed some additional gu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report New Code for COVID-19 PPE
Question: What do you know about the new CPT® code for reporting additional practice expe... Read more
Report New Code for COVID-19 PPE
Question: What do you know about the new CPT® code for reporting additional practice expe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Sure to Update Your ABN Forms
Question: How do I know whether I'm using the correct advanced beneficiary notice (ABN) fo... Read more
Make Sure to Update Your ABN Forms
Question: How do I know whether I'm using the correct advanced beneficiary notice (ABN) fo... Read more
CPT®:
Know Whether Cardiologist Performed Complete Cardiac Stress Test or Just Component to Safeguard Your Claims
Hint: Never report 93350 together with 93015. When your cardiologist performs a cardiac ... Read more
Know Whether Cardiologist Performed Complete Cardiac Stress Test or Just Component to Safeguard Your Claims
Hint: Never report 93350 together with 93015. When your cardiologist performs a cardiac ... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
5 Tips Perfect Your Cerebrovascular Accident and Disease Skills
To report cognitive deficits following cerebrovascular disease, look to category I69-. If... Read more
5 Tips Perfect Your Cerebrovascular Accident and Disease Skills
To report cognitive deficits following cerebrovascular disease, look to category I69-. If... Read more
MPFS:
CMS Proposes Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion, Extends Direct Supervision Updates
Don't miss: Conversion factor could be cut by 10.61 percent. The Centers for Medicare &am... Read more
CMS Proposes Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion, Extends Direct Supervision Updates
Don't miss: Conversion factor could be cut by 10.61 percent. The Centers for Medicare &am... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Out for Vishing Scams
Question: Our external information technology (IT) person sent an email to our practice wa... Read more
Watch Out for Vishing Scams
Question: Our external information technology (IT) person sent an email to our practice wa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pay Close Attention to ICD-10-CM Coding Notes
Question: My cardiologist documented the patient as having hypertensive heart disease with... Read more
Pay Close Attention to ICD-10-CM Coding Notes
Question: My cardiologist documented the patient as having hypertensive heart disease with... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Meaning of “Unprocessable” Claim
Question: We received an “unprocessable” claim from our MAC. Can we appeal this? Main... Read more
Understand Meaning of “Unprocessable” Claim
Question: We received an “unprocessable” claim from our MAC. Can we appeal this? Main... Read more
Reader Questions:
Sequence Dx Codes With Care
Question: The patient has atherosclerotic heart disease of the native coronary artery wit... Read more
Sequence Dx Codes With Care
Question: The patient has atherosclerotic heart disease of the native coronary artery wit... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Meet Specific Requirements of Rhythm EKG Code 93040
Question: My cardiologist performed both the professional and technical components of a pa... Read more
Meet Specific Requirements of Rhythm EKG Code 93040
Question: My cardiologist performed both the professional and technical components of a pa... Read more
CPT® 2021, Part 1:
Sort Through These Congenital Transcatheter, Ventricular Assist Device, and ECG Recording Codes Before Jan. 1 Hits
Remember: Check the documentation for length of recording time when reporting ECG codes. ... Read more
Sort Through These Congenital Transcatheter, Ventricular Assist Device, and ECG Recording Codes Before Jan. 1 Hits
Remember: Check the documentation for length of recording time when reporting ECG codes. ... Read more
CPT® 2021, Part 2:
Adopt These New Automated Quantification Coronary Atherosclerotic T-Codes Before Jan. 1
Hint: T codes are also called Category III Codes. When Jan. 1, 2021 rolls around and CPT... Read more
Adopt These New Automated Quantification Coronary Atherosclerotic T-Codes Before Jan. 1
Hint: T codes are also called Category III Codes. When Jan. 1, 2021 rolls around and CPT... Read more
Telehealth:
Double Check COVID-19 PHE Telehealth Documentation to Survive Impending Audits
Remember: If billing based on time, make sure to document clearly. Telehealth has become... Read more
Double Check COVID-19 PHE Telehealth Documentation to Survive Impending Audits
Remember: If billing based on time, make sure to document clearly. Telehealth has become... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here’s How Incident-to Guidelines Apply
Question: I reported 99211 for a nurse visit with a Medicare patient when the provider was... Read more
Here’s How Incident-to Guidelines Apply
Question: I reported 99211 for a nurse visit with a Medicare patient when the provider was... Read more
Reader Questions:
Train Staff on Proper Modifier Use
Question: We recently performed a self-audit and found that there are certain issues that ... Read more
Train Staff on Proper Modifier Use
Question: We recently performed a self-audit and found that there are certain issues that ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Clarify Orthostatic Hypotension Dx
Question: If my cardiologist documented orthostatic hypotension, what ICD-10 code should I... Read more
Clarify Orthostatic Hypotension Dx
Question: If my cardiologist documented orthostatic hypotension, what ICD-10 code should I... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Review CPT®’s Rules for Reporting +37223
Question: I've received denials from Medicare regarding code +37223. When I reached o... Read more
Review CPT®’s Rules for Reporting +37223
Question: I've received denials from Medicare regarding code +37223. When I reached o... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Arteriosclerosis Index Additions and Tabular Note Revisions Highlight Your Cardiology Changes for 2021
Hint: Numerous atherosclerosis codes will add Includes notes. The new ICD-10-CM codes for... Read more
Arteriosclerosis Index Additions and Tabular Note Revisions Highlight Your Cardiology Changes for 2021
Hint: Numerous atherosclerosis codes will add Includes notes. The new ICD-10-CM codes for... Read more
CPT®:
Perfect Your PICC Claims by Knowing Patient’s Age, Imaging Guidance Usage
Remember: Never report 36568 or 36569 in conjunction with +76937 or +77001. If your cardi... Read more
Perfect Your PICC Claims by Knowing Patient’s Age, Imaging Guidance Usage
Remember: Never report 36568 or 36569 in conjunction with +76937 or +77001. If your cardi... Read more
E/M 2021:
Stay Tuned to Upcoming MDM Component Verbiage Changes for 2021
Data Category 2 for high and moderate MDM will include independent interpretation of tests... Read more
Stay Tuned to Upcoming MDM Component Verbiage Changes for 2021
Data Category 2 for high and moderate MDM will include independent interpretation of tests... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here’s How to Handle Non-Covered LCD Diagnoses
Question: Does Medicare restrict coverage to only the diagnoses listed under the code's Lo... Read more
Here’s How to Handle Non-Covered LCD Diagnoses
Question: Does Medicare restrict coverage to only the diagnoses listed under the code's Lo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Demystify PET Stress Test Scenario
Question: My cardiologist performed a 78492 PET service during a cardiovascular stress sub... Read more
Demystify PET Stress Test Scenario
Question: My cardiologist performed a 78492 PET service during a cardiovascular stress sub... Read more
Reader Questions:
Grasp 3-Year Rule For Patients
Question: When a physician joins a new practice and sees patients from the former practice... Read more
Grasp 3-Year Rule For Patients
Question: When a physician joins a new practice and sees patients from the former practice... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Nonselective Catheterization
Question: My cardiologist introduced a catheter into the patient's common femoral art... Read more
Understand Nonselective Catheterization
Question: My cardiologist introduced a catheter into the patient's common femoral art... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Distinguish Between Complete and Component Cardiac Event Monitoring Codes
Question: Can you explain the rules for reporting a complete cardiac event monitoring serv... Read more
Distinguish Between Complete and Component Cardiac Event Monitoring Codes
Question: Can you explain the rules for reporting a complete cardiac event monitoring serv... Read more
CPT®:
Handy Tips Guide Your Arterial and Venous Mechanical Thrombectomy Claims
Hint: If your cardiologist uses venous transcatheter therapies, you should report 37... Read more
Handy Tips Guide Your Arterial and Venous Mechanical Thrombectomy Claims
Hint: If your cardiologist uses venous transcatheter therapies, you should report 37... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Follow 5 Effective Rules to Boost STEMI, NSTEMI Coding Skills
Remember: Report I21.4 for type 1 NSTEMIs or nontransmural myocardial infarctions. Report... Read more
Follow 5 Effective Rules to Boost STEMI, NSTEMI Coding Skills
Remember: Report I21.4 for type 1 NSTEMIs or nontransmural myocardial infarctions. Report... Read more
Modifiers:
Expert Advice Helps You Target Appropriate Modifier 24, 25, and 57 Use
Remember: Modifier 25 applies to E/Ms with minor procedure. Coding evaluation and managem... Read more
Expert Advice Helps You Target Appropriate Modifier 24, 25, and 57 Use
Remember: Modifier 25 applies to E/Ms with minor procedure. Coding evaluation and managem... Read more
Reader Questions:
Always Mind CCI Edits
Question: How should you code a claim where a 93015 service and a 93351 service were perfo... Read more
Always Mind CCI Edits
Question: How should you code a claim where a 93015 service and a 93351 service were perfo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Crack This Consecutive Encounter Conundrum
Question: One of my physicians would like to see new patients over the course of three sep... Read more
Crack This Consecutive Encounter Conundrum
Question: One of my physicians would like to see new patients over the course of three sep... Read more
Reader Questions:
Observe When to Report Modifiers 52 and 53
Question: What guidelines should I adhere to for a surgery cancelled midway through for he... Read more
Observe When to Report Modifiers 52 and 53
Question: What guidelines should I adhere to for a surgery cancelled midway through for he... Read more
You Be the Coder:
See Which Services Included in TPVI
Question: The cardiologist performed a transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) v... Read more
See Which Services Included in TPVI
Question: The cardiologist performed a transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) v... Read more
HCPCS:
Focus on Arteriovenous Fistula Creation HCPCS Level II Updates
Remember: Pay attention to effective dates for COVID-19 HCPCS Level II codes. The C... Read more
Focus on Arteriovenous Fistula Creation HCPCS Level II Updates
Remember: Pay attention to effective dates for COVID-19 HCPCS Level II codes. The C... Read more
ICD-10:
5 Tips Guide Your Hypertensive CKD and Pulmonary Hypertension Claims
Don't forget to report a secondary code from category N18- when reporting a code from cate... Read more
5 Tips Guide Your Hypertensive CKD and Pulmonary Hypertension Claims
Don't forget to report a secondary code from category N18- when reporting a code from cate... Read more
Documentation:
Boost Your Medical Documentation With HPI, ROS, and A/P Enhancement
Make sure your documentation avoids conflicts or contradictions with info throughout the r... Read more
Boost Your Medical Documentation With HPI, ROS, and A/P Enhancement
Make sure your documentation avoids conflicts or contradictions with info throughout the r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reporting Mobitz Block Type I? Do This
Question: My cardiologist documented a diagnosis of Mobitz block type I. Which ICD-10... Read more
Reporting Mobitz Block Type I? Do This
Question: My cardiologist documented a diagnosis of Mobitz block type I. Which ICD-10... Read more
Reader Questions:
Never Report Add-On Code Without Correct Primary Code
Question: I'm getting a lot of denials for claims with +93571 with the explanation that th... Read more
Never Report Add-On Code Without Correct Primary Code
Question: I'm getting a lot of denials for claims with +93571 with the explanation that th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Rely on Global Code for This Holter Monitor Coding Scenario
Question: The patient has an irregular heart rhythm that comes and goes. Based upon his sy... Read more
Rely on Global Code for This Holter Monitor Coding Scenario
Question: The patient has an irregular heart rhythm that comes and goes. Based upon his sy... Read more
COVID-19:
Learn How to Code Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 With New ICD-10 Guidelines
Remember: Take a look at the Z-codes related to COVID-19 cases. During the recent COVID-... Read more
Learn How to Code Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 With New ICD-10 Guidelines
Remember: Take a look at the Z-codes related to COVID-19 cases. During the recent COVID-... Read more
CPT®:
Report Endovascular Repair of Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta Correctly Every Time
Hint: Make sure you look for “rupture” and “other than rupture” in the documentat... Read more
Report Endovascular Repair of Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta Correctly Every Time
Hint: Make sure you look for “rupture” and “other than rupture” in the documentat... Read more
E/M 2021:
Boost Your E/M 2021 Knowledge by Busting 5 Myths About Upcoming Changes
Remember: You will pay special attention to MDM and time in 2021. Starting on Jan. 1, 2... Read more
Boost Your E/M 2021 Knowledge by Busting 5 Myths About Upcoming Changes
Remember: You will pay special attention to MDM and time in 2021. Starting on Jan. 1, 2... Read more
Reader Question:
Mind These Heart Cath Codes
Question: My cardiologist performed a combined right heart catheterization and transseptal... Read more
Mind These Heart Cath Codes
Question: My cardiologist performed a combined right heart catheterization and transseptal... Read more
Reader Question:
Figure Out MBI Rejection
Question: I've had a few claims rejected for Medicare patients, even though I know I have ... Read more
Figure Out MBI Rejection
Question: I've had a few claims rejected for Medicare patients, even though I know I have ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Rely on 93660 for This Tilt Table Scenario
Question: My cardiologist performed a tilt table test to evaluate a patient who has been e... Read more
Rely on 93660 for This Tilt Table Scenario
Question: My cardiologist performed a tilt table test to evaluate a patient who has been e... Read more
Telehealth, Part 1:
Master Medicare's Telehealth Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic
Critical care among new codes added to Medicare telehealth list to be covered during COVI... Read more
Master Medicare's Telehealth Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic
Critical care among new codes added to Medicare telehealth list to be covered during COVI... Read more
Telehealth, Part 2:
Check Out Virtual Check-Ins, E-Visits, RPM, and Telephone E/Ms
During COVID-19 PHE, both new and established patients can receive virtual check-ins. I... Read more
Check Out Virtual Check-Ins, E-Visits, RPM, and Telephone E/Ms
During COVID-19 PHE, both new and established patients can receive virtual check-ins. I... Read more
COVID-19 Codes:
Take a Look at New COVID-19 Code Choices
Add 87635 to your CPT® coding arsenal. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you will gain ... Read more
Take a Look at New COVID-19 Code Choices
Add 87635 to your CPT® coding arsenal. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you will gain ... Read more
Reader Question:
Dial Into Pacemaker Conversion Scenario
Question: The cardiologist converted a single chamber pacemaker to a dual chamber system b... Read more
Dial Into Pacemaker Conversion Scenario
Question: The cardiologist converted a single chamber pacemaker to a dual chamber system b... Read more
Reader Question:
Follow ICD-10 Guidelines for Old Myocardial Infarctions
Question: What are the rules for coding an old myocardial infarction? Pennsylvania Subscr... Read more
Follow ICD-10 Guidelines for Old Myocardial Infarctions
Question: What are the rules for coding an old myocardial infarction? Pennsylvania Subscr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose Appropriate Code for Comprehensive EP Study
Question: My cardiologist inserted multiple catheter electrodes into the patient using flu... Read more
Choose Appropriate Code for Comprehensive EP Study
Question: My cardiologist inserted multiple catheter electrodes into the patient using flu... Read more
CPT®:
Sidestep 3 Common Cardiac Cath Errors to Submit Clean Claims
Remember: You should report specific codes for congenital heart disease caths. Understand... Read more
Sidestep 3 Common Cardiac Cath Errors to Submit Clean Claims
Remember: You should report specific codes for congenital heart disease caths. Understand... Read more
CCI 2020:
Discover What's New for Cardiology in the CCI Policy Manual
You will see new abbreviation AOC in the 2020 CCI Policy Manual. You learned all about t... Read more
Discover What's New for Cardiology in the CCI Policy Manual
You will see new abbreviation AOC in the 2020 CCI Policy Manual. You learned all about t... Read more
CPT®:
Don't Forget to Check the Errata List from AMA
Get ready to mark your coding manual with changes. Although the 2020 CPT® updates... Read more
Don't Forget to Check the Errata List from AMA
Get ready to mark your coding manual with changes. Although the 2020 CPT® updates... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Distinguish Between Pacemaker Revision and Relocation
Question: The cardiologist created an incision at the selected site and inserted the elect... Read more
Distinguish Between Pacemaker Revision and Relocation
Question: The cardiologist created an incision at the selected site and inserted the elect... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Ready for New Coronavirus Codes
Question: What are the new CPT® codes for coronavirus testing? Ohio Subscriber Answer: ... Read more
Get Ready for New Coronavirus Codes
Question: What are the new CPT® codes for coronavirus testing? Ohio Subscriber Answer: ... Read more
Reader Question:
Never Ignore “Code First” Note
Question: My cardiologist documented that the patient has hypertensive heart disease with ... Read more
Never Ignore “Code First” Note
Question: My cardiologist documented that the patient has hypertensive heart disease with ... Read more
CERT:
CERT Report Discovers 7.7 Percent Improper Payment Rate for Cardiology
Insufficient documentation one of biggest errors found in latest report by CMS. As you ar... Read more
CERT Report Discovers 7.7 Percent Improper Payment Rate for Cardiology
Insufficient documentation one of biggest errors found in latest report by CMS. As you ar... Read more
Cardiac Monitoring, Part 3:
Get Your Most Burning Cardiac Event Monitor Questions Answered
Only report 93268 if the cardiologist reports the entire cardiac event monitoring service.... Read more
Get Your Most Burning Cardiac Event Monitor Questions Answered
Only report 93268 if the cardiologist reports the entire cardiac event monitoring service.... Read more
E/M 2021:
Focus on Approaching 2021 Updates for New Patient Office E/M Codes
Catch these code descriptor changes for 99202-99205. Evaluation and management (E/M) new ... Read more
Focus on Approaching 2021 Updates for New Patient Office E/M Codes
Catch these code descriptor changes for 99202-99205. Evaluation and management (E/M) new ... Read more
Reader Question:
Take These Steps to Protect ePHI
Question: My practice plans to switch over to exclusively using electronic faxes, but befo... Read more
Take These Steps to Protect ePHI
Question: My practice plans to switch over to exclusively using electronic faxes, but befo... Read more
Reader Question:
Demystify Nonselective Catheterization
Question: The cardiologist introduced a catheter into the patient's common femoral artery ... Read more
Demystify Nonselective Catheterization
Question: The cardiologist introduced a catheter into the patient's common femoral artery ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Learn Congenital TTE Rules
Question: Could you help me understand the rules for reporting codes TTE codes 93303 and 9... Read more
Learn Congenital TTE Rules
Question: Could you help me understand the rules for reporting codes TTE codes 93303 and 9... Read more
CCI 26.0 Update:
Focus on 2020 Pericardial Drainage and Aorta Graft Edits
Remember: Always pay attention to modifier indicators. You've learned all about the 2020 ... Read more
Focus on 2020 Pericardial Drainage and Aorta Graft Edits
Remember: Always pay attention to modifier indicators. You've learned all about the 2020 ... Read more
Cardiac Monitoring, Part 2:
Here's How to Correctly Report Holter Monitoring
Don't miss: Understand when to appropriately append modifier 52. Holter monitoring is one... Read more
Here's How to Correctly Report Holter Monitoring
Don't miss: Understand when to appropriately append modifier 52. Holter monitoring is one... Read more
NCDs:
Recent Updates to 5 Cardiology NCDs Reflect New 2020 ICD-10 Code Additions
You'll see some changes to NCD 20.9.1 “Ventricular Assist Devices.” CMS recently rele... Read more
Recent Updates to 5 Cardiology NCDs Reflect New 2020 ICD-10 Code Additions
You'll see some changes to NCD 20.9.1 “Ventricular Assist Devices.” CMS recently rele... Read more
Reader Question:
Rely on This Option for Insertion of Permanent Implantable Defibrillator System
Question: The cardiologist implanted a new permanent dual chamber defibrillator system wit... Read more
Rely on This Option for Insertion of Permanent Implantable Defibrillator System
Question: The cardiologist implanted a new permanent dual chamber defibrillator system wit... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Puzzle Out Percutaneous Transluminal Mechanical Thrombectomy Scenario
Question: The cardiologist used fluoroscopic guidance to introduce a catheter through the ... Read more
Puzzle Out Percutaneous Transluminal Mechanical Thrombectomy Scenario
Question: The cardiologist used fluoroscopic guidance to introduce a catheter through the ... Read more
Cardiac Monitoring, Part 1:
Solidify Your External MCT Claims With Expert Advice
Remember: Report mobile cardiac telemetry monitor codes 93228 and 93229 only once per 30 d... Read more
Solidify Your External MCT Claims With Expert Advice
Remember: Report mobile cardiac telemetry monitor codes 93228 and 93229 only once per 30 d... Read more
Quiz:
Test Yourself on HCPCS Level II 2020 Cardiology Codes and New Modifiers
Hint: You'll receive several new modifiers related to clinical decision support mechanisms... Read more
Test Yourself on HCPCS Level II 2020 Cardiology Codes and New Modifiers
Hint: You'll receive several new modifiers related to clinical decision support mechanisms... Read more
E/M:
Handy Tips Conquer New CPT® 2020 Online Digital E/M Codes
Hint: Never report online digital E/M services for cumulative service time that is less th... Read more
Handy Tips Conquer New CPT® 2020 Online Digital E/M Codes
Hint: Never report online digital E/M services for cumulative service time that is less th... Read more
Reader Question:
Investigate Parenthetical Notes for 93297 and 93298
Question: I was perusing the October 2019 issue of Cardiology Coding Alert and had a quest... Read more
Investigate Parenthetical Notes for 93297 and 93298
Question: I was perusing the October 2019 issue of Cardiology Coding Alert and had a quest... Read more
Reader Question:
Discover Appropriate Code for Swan-Ganz Catheter
Question: I'm new to cardiology, and I recently saw “Swan-Ganz catheter” in my cardiol... Read more
Discover Appropriate Code for Swan-Ganz Catheter
Question: I'm new to cardiology, and I recently saw “Swan-Ganz catheter” in my cardiol... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Follow Numerous Guidance for 93025
Question: The cardiologist took an electrocardiogram with the patient at rest after applyi... Read more
Follow Numerous Guidance for 93025
Question: The cardiologist took an electrocardiogram with the patient at rest after applyi... Read more