Cardiology Coding Alert
Know When to Expect Holter Monitoring
Holter monitoring involves a continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) recording of the heart's rhythm. The patient presents on day one for electrode placement on his chest with leads attached to a small recorder. He keeps a diary of his activities and symptoms for a specified number of hours or days, and returns at the end of that time to have the monitor removed. Typically, cardiologists use the monitors to diagnose arrhythmias that only present themselves sporadically, making them difficult to capture with standard ECG assessment. While ECG assessment looks for a period of 30 to 60 seconds, Holter monitoring typically involves continuous monitoring for 24 hours. Patients who have had a heart attack or who start a new heart medication also may require the test. You also may see the service referred to as "continuous ECG," "continuous ambulatory ECG," "dynamic electrocardiography," and "long-term ECG recording."
Cardiology Coding Alert
- Turn New Peri-Procedural Codes Into Added Payment for 2009
But be sure you stay compliant using this device rep tip. Among all the new [...] - You Be the Coder:
Get Hip to Hospital Bubble Study
Question: I bill the physician portion of services performed at the hospital. Is there a [...] - Calculate 5 Ways to Report 48-Hour ECG Evals
Plus: Get the date-of-service facts for 24-hour monitoring. Assume billing 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for [...] - 1 Code for 48-Hours? Check Payer for Date
Be sure to check the preferred date of service.For example, National Government Service's policy for [...] - Know When to Expect Holter Monitoring
Holter monitoring involves a continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) recording of the heart's rhythm. The patient presents [...] - Underlying Conditions, Too? Check Your Hypertension Codes
2 examples shed light on proper 402-and 403-range use. When you check the physician's documentation [...] - Clip and Save:
Investigate Hypertension's Underlying Conditions
Use this handy chart to keep track of which underlying conditions coincide with primary and [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Post-Chemo ECG May Need Special Dx Code
Question: We perform ECGs on some patients to monitor whether chemotherapy drugs, such as Trisenox, [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Remember Component Coding for IVC Filter
Question: Which codes are appropriate for a Greenfield filter implant? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: The Greenfield [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Tap Into E-Scribe 2 Percent Bonus Basics
Question: I heard that physicians may receive bonuses for e-prescribing. What codes would we report [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
CMS Suggests 76 and More for Overriding MUE
Question: If you have more units than MUEs allow, what is the appropriate reporting method? [...]
