Gastroenterology Coding Alert
FAQ:
Check Out the Answers to These Tummy Trouble Coding FAQs
See whether pediatric stomach pain is coded differently. When it comes to stomach issues... Read more
Check Out the Answers to These Tummy Trouble Coding FAQs
See whether pediatric stomach pain is coded differently. When it comes to stomach issues... Read more
Practice Management:
Understand the 5 Challenges Remote Workers Face
Craft effective policies to maintain compliance. Remote workers face several challenges... Read more
Understand the 5 Challenges Remote Workers Face
Craft effective policies to maintain compliance. Remote workers face several challenges... Read more
CPT®:
Decipher the Symbols in Your CPT® Code Book for Easier Code Selection
These notations can help coders better master each code's guidelines and descriptors. Ev... Read more
Decipher the Symbols in Your CPT® Code Book for Easier Code Selection
These notations can help coders better master each code's guidelines and descriptors. Ev... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Surgeon’s Work Determines Diagnosis Code
Question: The surgeon took a tissue sample from the esophagus during an esophagogastr... Read more
Surgeon’s Work Determines Diagnosis Code
Question: The surgeon took a tissue sample from the esophagus during an esophagogastr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Calculate Provider Minutes When Performing Phone Visits
Question: Our gastroenterologist had a telephone visit with a patient to refill presc... Read more
Calculate Provider Minutes When Performing Phone Visits
Question: Our gastroenterologist had a telephone visit with a patient to refill presc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code This Complication Dx Correctly
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involving... Read more
Code This Complication Dx Correctly
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involving... Read more
Reader Questions:
Heed This Insight on Documentation Requests for CERT Reviews
Question: Our practice is currently in the middle of a Comprehensive Error Rate Testi... Read more
Heed This Insight on Documentation Requests for CERT Reviews
Question: Our practice is currently in the middle of a Comprehensive Error Rate Testi... Read more
Procedure Coding:
Take These 5 Tips, Accurately Code Upper GI Scope Exams
Hint: Know how far the scope went. Endoscopies are among the most commonly performed proc... Read more
Take These 5 Tips, Accurately Code Upper GI Scope Exams
Hint: Know how far the scope went. Endoscopies are among the most commonly performed proc... Read more
Practice Management:
Boost Financial Literacy with This Expert Advice
Hint: Make sure you involve physicians, so they understand the ripples of their work. M... Read more
Boost Financial Literacy with This Expert Advice
Hint: Make sure you involve physicians, so they understand the ripples of their work. M... Read more
News You Can Use:
Address These Key Fields, Complete ABNs With Ease
Don't forget that every ABN form must be one single page. As many coders and billers kno... Read more
Address These Key Fields, Complete ABNs With Ease
Don't forget that every ABN form must be one single page. As many coders and billers kno... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look for Documentation Details in This Tube Case
Question: Which code is most appropriate for percutaneous insertion of a duodenostomy... Read more
Look for Documentation Details in This Tube Case
Question: Which code is most appropriate for percutaneous insertion of a duodenostomy... Read more
Reader Questions:
Patients May Need to Choose Between Benefit Programs
Question: One of our patients mentioned to a nurse that he was receiving continuing g... Read more
Patients May Need to Choose Between Benefit Programs
Question: One of our patients mentioned to a nurse that he was receiving continuing g... Read more
Reader Questions:
End Your In-Office Enema Coding Confusion with This Advice
Question: For an outpatient enema (performed for relief of constipation), do I report... Read more
End Your In-Office Enema Coding Confusion with This Advice
Question: For an outpatient enema (performed for relief of constipation), do I report... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verify the Correct Coding on This Virtual Visit
Question: My provider wants to bill 99350 when performing a home visit via telehealth... Read more
Verify the Correct Coding on This Virtual Visit
Question: My provider wants to bill 99350 when performing a home visit via telehealth... Read more
Documentation:
Dive into Malnutrition Diagnosis Documentation
Use the GLIM criteria to help you recognize requirements. An unsupported malnutrition dia... Read more
Dive into Malnutrition Diagnosis Documentation
Use the GLIM criteria to help you recognize requirements. An unsupported malnutrition dia... Read more
Modifiers:
Understand How to Apply Assistant at Surgery Modifiers
Hint: Do not report modifiers 80 and AS together. As a coder specializing in general su... Read more
Understand How to Apply Assistant at Surgery Modifiers
Hint: Do not report modifiers 80 and AS together. As a coder specializing in general su... Read more
E/M Coding:
Bolster Your Distinct Time Billing Knowledge
Remember to bill with only one provider's number. Both the Centers for Medicare & M... Read more
Bolster Your Distinct Time Billing Knowledge
Remember to bill with only one provider's number. Both the Centers for Medicare & M... Read more
Reader Questions:
Differentiate Between ‘Consent’ and ‘Authorization’
Question: I'm confused by some of the language in the Health Insurance Portability a... Read more
Differentiate Between ‘Consent’ and ‘Authorization’
Question: I'm confused by some of the language in the Health Insurance Portability a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Collecting Payment for Complications During Surgery
Question: One of our surgeons encountered some challenges while attempting to perform... Read more
Collecting Payment for Complications During Surgery
Question: One of our surgeons encountered some challenges while attempting to perform... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Skinny on Medicare Overpayment Timeline
Question: We've heard that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says we... Read more
Get the Skinny on Medicare Overpayment Timeline
Question: We've heard that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says we... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report Disorders of Retroperitoneum with These Codes
Question: The gastroenterologist recently diagnosed a patient with retroperitoneal he... Read more
Report Disorders of Retroperitoneum with These Codes
Question: The gastroenterologist recently diagnosed a patient with retroperitoneal he... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Explore the Newest Foreign Body Codes
Also: review which procedure codes to use for FBR. Normally, swallowed objects pass throu... Read more
Explore the Newest Foreign Body Codes
Also: review which procedure codes to use for FBR. Normally, swallowed objects pass throu... Read more
Inpatient Coding:
Unravel Place of Service, Site and Level of Care (Part 2)
Find expert advice on how to structure your appeal letter. In Gastroenterology Coding Ale... Read more
Unravel Place of Service, Site and Level of Care (Part 2)
Find expert advice on how to structure your appeal letter. In Gastroenterology Coding Ale... Read more
Mythbusters:
Find 7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing
Prep now for summer fee-for-time fill-ins. Summer vacations are already starting, which ... Read more
Find 7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing
Prep now for summer fee-for-time fill-ins. Summer vacations are already starting, which ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Which Guideline to Follow for SDoH Advice
Question: Should I be reporting every social determinant of health (SDoH) that applie... Read more
Know Which Guideline to Follow for SDoH Advice
Question: Should I be reporting every social determinant of health (SDoH) that applie... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember Definitive Diagnoses May Not Tell The Whole Story
Question: Once the gastroenterologist reports a diagnosis, can I still report signs a... Read more
Remember Definitive Diagnoses May Not Tell The Whole Story
Question: Once the gastroenterologist reports a diagnosis, can I still report signs a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Go Soft on This Neoplasm Case
Question: What is the correct code for leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the sigmoid colon? I h... Read more
Go Soft on This Neoplasm Case
Question: What is the correct code for leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the sigmoid colon? I h... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Delve Into This Difficult PEG Tube Scenario
Question: Our gastroenterologist removed a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) ... Read more
Delve Into This Difficult PEG Tube Scenario
Question: Our gastroenterologist removed a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) ... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Avoid Hangups When Coding Hemorrhoid Cases
Location and count are key to correctly coding the condition. When your gastroenterologis... Read more
Avoid Hangups When Coding Hemorrhoid Cases
Location and count are key to correctly coding the condition. When your gastroenterologis... Read more
Inpatient Coding:
Unravel Place of Service, Site and Level of Care (Part 1)
Get expert guidance on avoiding denials. Keeping up with all the different ways to deal ... Read more
Unravel Place of Service, Site and Level of Care (Part 1)
Get expert guidance on avoiding denials. Keeping up with all the different ways to deal ... Read more
Practice Management:
Use This Guidance to Improve Your Coding Education Process
Check out these tips for more effective onboarding. Coding education is an ongoing effor... Read more
Use This Guidance to Improve Your Coding Education Process
Check out these tips for more effective onboarding. Coding education is an ongoing effor... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check the Guidelines for This R10 Rule
Question: Can I use an R10.- code without a definitive diagnosis? Montana Subscriber... Read more
Check the Guidelines for This R10 Rule
Question: Can I use an R10.- code without a definitive diagnosis? Montana Subscriber... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here’s Where to Draw the Line Between ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower’ Abdomen
Question: I know that some anesthesia codes are applied based on whether the ar... Read more
Here’s Where to Draw the Line Between ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower’ Abdomen
Question: I know that some anesthesia codes are applied based on whether the ar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask MACs About Claims-Based NCCI Troubles
Question: If I have a question about appealing a claim that has been denied due to a ... Read more
Ask MACs About Claims-Based NCCI Troubles
Question: If I have a question about appealing a claim that has been denied due to a ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Which Details to Consider for This Claim
Question: We have a patient suffering from gas build-up, flatulence and chronic const... Read more
Determine Which Details to Consider for This Claim
Question: We have a patient suffering from gas build-up, flatulence and chronic const... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Shine Light On 3 Ways to Improve Your Colonoscopy Coding
Also: review the differences between modifiers 52 and 53. Colonoscopy coding, while commo... Read more
Shine Light On 3 Ways to Improve Your Colonoscopy Coding
Also: review the differences between modifiers 52 and 53. Colonoscopy coding, while commo... Read more
Inpatient Coding:
Look to This Guidance to Improve Your Inpatient Coding
Keep up with changes in hospital E/M codes. The evaluation and management (E/M) revisions... Read more
Look to This Guidance to Improve Your Inpatient Coding
Keep up with changes in hospital E/M codes. The evaluation and management (E/M) revisions... Read more
Practice Management:
Address Apathy and Burnout, Apply These Expert Tips
Also: learn how to extend the advice to remote workers. No matter the size of your practi... Read more
Address Apathy and Burnout, Apply These Expert Tips
Also: learn how to extend the advice to remote workers. No matter the size of your practi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correctly Code This Gastrojejunal Ulcer Scenario
Question: After a gastrojejunostomy, the patient returned complaining of abdominal pa... Read more
Correctly Code This Gastrojejunal Ulcer Scenario
Question: After a gastrojejunostomy, the patient returned complaining of abdominal pa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Discover How to Handle Family History Information
Question: When our surgeons get referrals for procedures, the referring physician som... Read more
Discover How to Handle Family History Information
Question: When our surgeons get referrals for procedures, the referring physician som... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on ECRP Coding
Question: Our surgeon performed ERCP to remove three stones from the bile duct. The ... Read more
Focus on ECRP Coding
Question: Our surgeon performed ERCP to remove three stones from the bile duct. The ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Dig Into This Dilation Situation
Question: Our gastroenterologist performed balloon dilation to address an obstruction... Read more
Dig Into This Dilation Situation
Question: Our gastroenterologist performed balloon dilation to address an obstruction... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Pin These Points for Precise Polyp Removal Coding
Check out this crash course in the anatomy of the colon. Polyps are something GI coders s... Read more
Pin These Points for Precise Polyp Removal Coding
Check out this crash course in the anatomy of the colon. Polyps are something GI coders s... Read more
Case Study Corner:
Manage Your Metaplasia Coding with This Case Study
Find out whether you can code the consultation and procedure. Gastroenterologists often ... Read more
Manage Your Metaplasia Coding with This Case Study
Find out whether you can code the consultation and procedure. Gastroenterologists often ... Read more
Practice Management:
Think Twice Before Waiving Co-Pays
See how a simple financial accommodation can cause a huge headache. Healthcare practition... Read more
Think Twice Before Waiving Co-Pays
See how a simple financial accommodation can cause a huge headache. Healthcare practition... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Edits Before Reporting Ablation with EGD
Question: Can I report ablation with other esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure... Read more
Check Edits Before Reporting Ablation with EGD
Question: Can I report ablation with other esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be In-the-Know About Establishing CPO
Question: We have a patient who is eligible for home care, and our gastroenterologist... Read more
Be In-the-Know About Establishing CPO
Question: We have a patient who is eligible for home care, and our gastroenterologist... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Analyze This Anoscopy Case for Correct Coding
Question: A patient presented complaining of intermittent bright red blood in the sto... Read more
Analyze This Anoscopy Case for Correct Coding
Question: A patient presented complaining of intermittent bright red blood in the sto... Read more
Testing:
Check Your Knowledge of Testing Codes with This Primer
See which test codes apply to the 2023 CRC screening update. You may feel you have a good... Read more
Check Your Knowledge of Testing Codes with This Primer
See which test codes apply to the 2023 CRC screening update. You may feel you have a good... Read more
Modifiers:
Understand the Perks and Challenges of Modifier 78
Use these two case studies to test your understanding. Although every GI physician strive... Read more
Understand the Perks and Challenges of Modifier 78
Use these two case studies to test your understanding. Although every GI physician strive... Read more
Practice Management:
Upgrade Your Understanding of Transgender Patient Care
Pronoun mismatches can lead to denials. Patients are always looking for healthcare prov... Read more
Upgrade Your Understanding of Transgender Patient Care
Pronoun mismatches can lead to denials. Patients are always looking for healthcare prov... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Caution When Considering a Causal Relationship with Diabetes
Question: I need some guidance on when I use a combination code for diabetes and its ... Read more
Use Caution When Considering a Causal Relationship with Diabetes
Question: I need some guidance on when I use a combination code for diabetes and its ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Re-evaluate the Relationship Between Unlisted Codes and Modifiers
Question: Can I append a modifier to an unlisted CPT® code? I'm having trouble gett... Read more
Re-evaluate the Relationship Between Unlisted Codes and Modifiers
Question: Can I append a modifier to an unlisted CPT® code? I'm having trouble gett... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get an Inside Look at This Capsule Endoscopy Scenario
Question: Our gastroenterologist recently performed a capsule endoscopy to get a clos... Read more
Get an Inside Look at This Capsule Endoscopy Scenario
Question: Our gastroenterologist recently performed a capsule endoscopy to get a clos... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Decipher the Differences Between Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
Learn the anatomy of the code sets for each condition. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ... Read more
Decipher the Differences Between Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
Learn the anatomy of the code sets for each condition. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ... Read more
Modifiers:
Practice Submitting Cleaner Claims with Help from This NCCI Edit Primer
Learn how modifiers may help. You may have a vague understanding of the existence of peri... Read more
Practice Submitting Cleaner Claims with Help from This NCCI Edit Primer
Learn how modifiers may help. You may have a vague understanding of the existence of peri... Read more
Practice Management:
Stay on Top of Cyber Threats As You Introduce New Tech and Services
Bookmark the HC3 webpage for quick access to federal guidance. With the rise of telehealt... Read more
Stay on Top of Cyber Threats As You Introduce New Tech and Services
Bookmark the HC3 webpage for quick access to federal guidance. With the rise of telehealt... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Clear on the Details When Coding This Hernia Case
Question: A 36-year-old male patient presented with a small lump on one side of the g... Read more
Get Clear on the Details When Coding This Hernia Case
Question: A 36-year-old male patient presented with a small lump on one side of the g... Read more
Reader Questions:
See the Difference Between Coding Stent Exchanges and Removals
Question: When the provider exchanges two stents, do I report one code or two for th... Read more
See the Difference Between Coding Stent Exchanges and Removals
Question: When the provider exchanges two stents, do I report one code or two for th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand the Coding Details Surrounding Normal Diagnostic Results
Question: When the gastroenterologist refers a patient to a radiologist for an abdomi... Read more
Understand the Coding Details Surrounding Normal Diagnostic Results
Question: When the gastroenterologist refers a patient to a radiologist for an abdomi... Read more
Final Rule:
Look Inside the MPFS Final Rule With These 4 Takeaways
Gain insight into CMS' split/shared policy update. In Gastroenterology Coding Alert volum... Read more
Look Inside the MPFS Final Rule With These 4 Takeaways
Gain insight into CMS' split/shared policy update. In Gastroenterology Coding Alert volum... Read more
Final Rule:
Add +G2211 to Your Coding Arsenal in 2024
Also: find CMS guidance regarding +G2211 and modifier 25 In addition to the final rule up... Read more
Add +G2211 to Your Coding Arsenal in 2024
Also: find CMS guidance regarding +G2211 and modifier 25 In addition to the final rule up... Read more
Pre-Op Coding:
Conquer Coding Pre-Op Evals With This Guidance
Also: see how comorbid conditions affect pre-op E/M coding. GI pre-operative evaluations ... Read more
Conquer Coding Pre-Op Evals With This Guidance
Also: see how comorbid conditions affect pre-op E/M coding. GI pre-operative evaluations ... Read more
Reader Question:
Recall This Procedure Code Set with This Suspected Colitis Case
Question: The gastroenterologist recently saw a patient who was complaining of abdomi... Read more
Recall This Procedure Code Set with This Suspected Colitis Case
Question: The gastroenterologist recently saw a patient who was complaining of abdomi... Read more
Reader Question:
Resist Temptation to Use Two Codes When One Will Do
Question: Our surgeon performed a colonoscopy and internal hemorrhoidectomy by band l... Read more
Resist Temptation to Use Two Codes When One Will Do
Question: Our surgeon performed a colonoscopy and internal hemorrhoidectomy by band l... Read more
Reader Question:
Gain Insight Into This Anorexia Case
Question: My physician diagnosed a patient with anorexia. I'm confused about how to c... Read more
Gain Insight Into This Anorexia Case
Question: My physician diagnosed a patient with anorexia. I'm confused about how to c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get Procedure Facts Straight When Coding EGD with Biopsies
Question: My gastroenterologist performed an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with th... Read more
Get Procedure Facts Straight When Coding EGD with Biopsies
Question: My gastroenterologist performed an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with th... Read more
Gastroenterology Coding:
Can You Correctly Code This Discontinued Colonoscopy?
Question: A patient came in for a screening colonoscopy. The scope passed per anus, approx... Read more
Can You Correctly Code This Discontinued Colonoscopy?
Question: A patient came in for a screening colonoscopy. The scope passed per anus, approx... Read more
Gastroenterology Coding:
Check New Colonoscopy Category III Codes, Updated Telemedicine Options
Plus: CPT® 2025 will roll out a new virtual check-in code. New gastroenterology-rel... Read more
Check New Colonoscopy Category III Codes, Updated Telemedicine Options
Plus: CPT® 2025 will roll out a new virtual check-in code. New gastroenterology-rel... Read more
Gastroenterology Coding:
Correctly Code Blood Clot Removal During an EGD
Question: I have a report that states the gastroenterologist performed an upper gastrointe... Read more
Correctly Code Blood Clot Removal During an EGD
Question: I have a report that states the gastroenterologist performed an upper gastrointe... Read more
Gastroenterology Coding:
Use Documentation to Identify Anoscopy Codes
Question: A patient presented to their gastroenterologist with complaints of intermittent ... Read more
Use Documentation to Identify Anoscopy Codes
Question: A patient presented to their gastroenterologist with complaints of intermittent ... Read more
Gastroenterology Coding:
Familiarize Yourself With Reflux-Related Procedures
Question: What is esophageal manometry and how do we code it? RCI Subscriber Answer: A g... Read more
Familiarize Yourself With Reflux-Related Procedures
Question: What is esophageal manometry and how do we code it? RCI Subscriber Answer: A g... Read more