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Cardiology Coding Alert

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Recall Frequency of Visits Still Up in the Air

Published on Tue Feb 20, 2007

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.
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