Cardiology Coding Alert
Recall Frequency of Visits Still Up in the Air
Question: A patient came in to see our electrophysiologist to discuss the recall of Medtronic's Sprint Fidelis Lead. How frequently will this patient be coming in? Can I keep reporting E/M services for this issue? California Subscriber Answer: In the 2008 final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, CMS mentioned that it recognizes the need for increased physician services in relation to device recalls. Until CMS issues guidance on how frequently physicians should interrogate the affected devices and which E/M services physicians should provide, physicians should do what is right based on the patient's situation. In the absence of CMS restrictions, it will be difficult for CMS to deny more frequent device interrogations or office visits (99212-99215, Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...) for these patients.
Cardiology Coding Alert
- CPT 2008 Update:
Prepare for Drastic Reimbursement Cuts, Thanks to Modifier 51 Exemption Reassessment
Experts warn that illogical reduction to this EP procedure means a loss of $171 Modifier [...] - Clip-and-Save Bonus:
Do These Top-10 Denials Look Familiar? Check Your List
Good news: The most common rejection reasons are also some of the easiest to prevent. [...] - Think You Can Get Away with 414.00 for CAD? Think Again
Discover why you can report more than 1 CAD code for the patient If your [...] - 3 Tips Clarify Your Top HPI, Chronic Conditions Questions
Hint: You may find overlap between 1995 and 1997 guidelines You've asked questions about chronic [...] - You Be the Expert:
Recall Frequency of Visits Still Up in the Air
Question: A patient came in to see our electrophysiologist to discuss the recall of Medtronic's [...] - Reader Questions:
Avoid Partial Units of Adenosine
Question: If we have a 90-mg vial of Adenosine and use only 30 mg on [...] - Reader Questions:
Verify V Codes With Reason for Surgery
Question: Is there a specific diagnosis code for pre-op surgical clearance, or should I simply [...] - Reader Questions:
Exclude ICD Testing From Global
Question: I use 93641 for electrophysiologic (EP) testing of ICD leads/generator at the time that [...] - Reader Questions:
Consider These Specific Quit-Smoking Codes
Question: Sometimes we fret over the difficulty of getting paid for the numerous nonphysician counseling [...]
