Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: Where can I go to look up Medicare carriers- local coverage determinations? Also, is there an easy way to search a particular coverage topic on the Medicare site?


Georgia Subscriber

Answer: You should first try your individual carrier's Web site, but if you-re looking for a quick reference to search and compare policies among multiple carriers, go to the Medicare coverage database on the Web: www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/search.asp.

The page walks you through several steps to meet your goal. First, select whether you-re looking for a national or a local coverage determination. If you choose local, you can search for articles and policies. Just check the boxes that apply.

Example: You select -local coverage,- -Policies (LMRP/LCD)- and -Final Policies Only.-

Next, select a state or a contractor from the list provided. Then, scroll down and check off how you-d like to do your search.

Example: You select Georgia from the list under -Geographic area.-

You can search by keyword, ICD-9 code, CPT/HCPCS code, coverage topic and effective dates. After you-ve typed in your criteria, click -search now- and wait for the results to pop up.

Example: You select -Keyword- and enter the term -colonoscopy- and select -Entire document- and -Exact phrase.- This means you-re searching Georgia carriers- final policies that include the term -colonoscopy.- Your search reveals eight matches. You can scan through and click on the appropriate local coverage determinations to get the information you need.