General Surgery Coding Alert
Endoscopy:
Prepare for CPT® 2014 Esophagoscopy Overhaul
Distinguish ‘rigid’ and ‘flexible’ scopes. You’ll need t... Read more
Prepare for CPT® 2014 Esophagoscopy Overhaul
Distinguish ‘rigid’ and ‘flexible’ scopes. You’ll need t... Read more
ICD-10:
Consolidate Esophageal Cancer Codes
Look for ‘in situ’ direct crosswalk. Here’s a rarity for you —... Read more
Consolidate Esophageal Cancer Codes
Look for ‘in situ’ direct crosswalk. Here’s a rarity for you —... Read more
Stent Overhaul:
37217 and More Change Your Vascular Stent Coding in CPT ® 2014
Look for additions and deletions next year. If your general and vascular surgeons perf... Read more
37217 and More Change Your Vascular Stent Coding in CPT ® 2014
Look for additions and deletions next year. If your general and vascular surgeons perf... Read more
CPT® 2014:
99446-99449: New E/M Codes Capture Doc Discussions
Make sure to include a written report. Who knows if Medicare will pay, but you should ... Read more
99446-99449: New E/M Codes Capture Doc Discussions
Make sure to include a written report. Who knows if Medicare will pay, but you should ... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Return to Surgery Modifiers
Question: Our surgeon created an AV access for a dialysis patient, but the patient retur... Read more
Distinguish Return to Surgery Modifiers
Question: Our surgeon created an AV access for a dialysis patient, but the patient retur... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Rely on Wagner's Classification
Question: If the surgical note documents Wagner’s ulcer classification for a debri... Read more
Don't Rely on Wagner's Classification
Question: If the surgical note documents Wagner’s ulcer classification for a debri... Read more
Reader Question:
Malignancy Leads Code Choice
Question: Sometimes our surgeon excises in situ basal cell carcinoma, but sometimes he u... Read more
Malignancy Leads Code Choice
Question: Sometimes our surgeon excises in situ basal cell carcinoma, but sometimes he u... Read more
Reader Question:
ICD-10 Countdown Prep
Question: Do you have any advice about what our surgical practice can be doing to prepar... Read more
ICD-10 Countdown Prep
Question: Do you have any advice about what our surgical practice can be doing to prepar... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Hernia Bundling Rules
Question: Our surgeon documented an open cholecystectomy and repair of an incarcerated u... Read more
Check Hernia Bundling Rules
Question: Our surgeon documented an open cholecystectomy and repair of an incarcerated u... Read more
CCI 19.3:
Get Ready for Numerous Digestive System Procedure Edits
Modifier indicator ‘0’ leaves few options. Don’t get too excited abo... Read more
Get Ready for Numerous Digestive System Procedure Edits
Modifier indicator ‘0’ leaves few options. Don’t get too excited abo... Read more
CPT® 2014:
Prepare for Breast, Integumentary, Vascular, and Digestive Code Changes
Change ‘malignant neoplasm’ to ‘sarcoma’ for radical soft tissue... Read more
Prepare for Breast, Integumentary, Vascular, and Digestive Code Changes
Change ‘malignant neoplasm’ to ‘sarcoma’ for radical soft tissue... Read more
CPT® 2014:
Look for New Breast Localization and Biopsy Codes Next Year
Focus on guidance to select proper code. Five codes for percutaneous breast biopsy and... Read more
Look for New Breast Localization and Biopsy Codes Next Year
Focus on guidance to select proper code. Five codes for percutaneous breast biopsy and... Read more
Correct Coding Initiative:
CMS Takes Back E/M Bundles That Quash Legit Pay
Check your modifier 25 claims for erroneous denials. Since July 1, you’ve been f... Read more
CMS Takes Back E/M Bundles That Quash Legit Pay
Check your modifier 25 claims for erroneous denials. Since July 1, you’ve been f... Read more
Reader Question:
Is E-Mail Ever HIPAA Compliant?
Question: We have a consultant who occasionally helps us with billing questions. I... Read more
Is E-Mail Ever HIPAA Compliant?
Question: We have a consultant who occasionally helps us with billing questions. I... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Ultrasound Guidance With Endoscopic Procedure
Question: If we document the endoscopic ultrasound and supervision, can we report ... Read more
Beware Ultrasound Guidance With Endoscopic Procedure
Question: If we document the endoscopic ultrasound and supervision, can we report ... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Circumstances for Edit Override
Question: When our vascular surgeon performs angioplasty, venography and stenting ... Read more
Check Circumstances for Edit Override
Question: When our vascular surgeon performs angioplasty, venography and stenting ... Read more
Reader Question:
Compare ICD-9 With ICD-10
Question: I’ve seen so much information about transitioning to ICD-10, but could y... Read more
Compare ICD-9 With ICD-10
Question: I’ve seen so much information about transitioning to ICD-10, but could y... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Simple, Intermediate, Complex
Question: Based on the following note, should I bill for a complex or simple repair? ... Read more
Distinguish Simple, Intermediate, Complex
Question: Based on the following note, should I bill for a complex or simple repair? ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Watch for Special Anatomic Repair Codes
Question: How should we report a” through and through” laceration repair of ... Read more
Watch for Special Anatomic Repair Codes
Question: How should we report a” through and through” laceration repair of ... Read more
Gastrostomy Tube:
Zero In on G-Tube Removal, Reinsertion, and Replacement Codes
Watch for same-day procedures. When your general surgeon needs to modify a gastrostomy... Read more
Zero In on G-Tube Removal, Reinsertion, and Replacement Codes
Watch for same-day procedures. When your general surgeon needs to modify a gastrostomy... Read more
ICD-10:
Expect One-to-One Crosswalk for Gastrostomy Encounter
Z43.1 can be your primary diagnosis. When your general surgeon sees a patient for remo... Read more
Expect One-to-One Crosswalk for Gastrostomy Encounter
Z43.1 can be your primary diagnosis. When your general surgeon sees a patient for remo... Read more
Skin Case:
Solve this Porokeratotic Lesion Excision Puzzle
Don’t fall for DSAP diagnosis trap. Your surgeon treats a patient with a fairly ... Read more
Solve this Porokeratotic Lesion Excision Puzzle
Don’t fall for DSAP diagnosis trap. Your surgeon treats a patient with a fairly ... Read more
PQRS:
4 Steps Avoid Penalty Pile Up in 2015
Learn reporting tips to maximize ‘quality’ pay. Your bonus and penalty han... Read more
4 Steps Avoid Penalty Pile Up in 2015
Learn reporting tips to maximize ‘quality’ pay. Your bonus and penalty han... Read more
Reader Question:
Lipomas Don't Add Up
Question: Our surgeon excised two subcutaneous lipomas from a patient’s forearm, e... Read more
Lipomas Don't Add Up
Question: Our surgeon excised two subcutaneous lipomas from a patient’s forearm, e... Read more
Reader Question:
Check 'Strangulation' for Hernia Repair
Question: Our surgeon carried out an open umbilical hernia repair for a 15-year-old pati... Read more
Check 'Strangulation' for Hernia Repair
Question: Our surgeon carried out an open umbilical hernia repair for a 15-year-old pati... Read more
Reader Question:
Look Out for MUE Breast Limit
Question: Our surgeon excised four distinct breast biopsies from uniquely identified loc... Read more
Look Out for MUE Breast Limit
Question: Our surgeon excised four distinct breast biopsies from uniquely identified loc... Read more
Reader Question:
Find ASC Coverage Resources
Question: How can I find out which procedures our surgeons perform are covered by Medica... Read more
Find ASC Coverage Resources
Question: How can I find out which procedures our surgeons perform are covered by Medica... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know the Lingo for Hemorrhoidectomy Coding
Question: We have an op note for a hemorrhoidectomy that states that the surgeon “... Read more
Know the Lingo for Hemorrhoidectomy Coding
Question: We have an op note for a hemorrhoidectomy that states that the surgeon “... Read more
Small Intestine:
Answer 'What? Where? Why?' To Corral Enterectomy Coding
Don’t lose pay for additional resections. When you face your general surgeon&rsq... Read more
Answer 'What? Where? Why?' To Corral Enterectomy Coding
Don’t lose pay for additional resections. When you face your general surgeon&rsq... Read more
Glossary:
Decode Small Intestine Resections With These Terms
Your surgeons’ op reports might use a variety of terms for small intestine resecti... Read more
Decode Small Intestine Resections With These Terms
Your surgeons’ op reports might use a variety of terms for small intestine resecti... Read more
ICD-10:
C17 Mirrors 152 for Malignant Small Bowel
‘Other’ becomes ‘overlapping’. Although many diagnoses will be... Read more
C17 Mirrors 152 for Malignant Small Bowel
‘Other’ becomes ‘overlapping’. Although many diagnoses will be... Read more
Practice Management:
Breeze Through HIPAA Audit With 5 Protocol Tips
Try your hand at internal audits first. Random and targeted HIPAA audits are making th... Read more
Breeze Through HIPAA Audit With 5 Protocol Tips
Try your hand at internal audits first. Random and targeted HIPAA audits are making th... Read more
ICD-10 Conventions:
Don't Sweat ICD-9 to ICD-10 Switch-- Many Rules Stay the Same
What you already know may surprise you. You should have a growing familiarity with sp... Read more
Don't Sweat ICD-9 to ICD-10 Switch-- Many Rules Stay the Same
What you already know may surprise you. You should have a growing familiarity with sp... Read more
Reader Question:
19260 Captures Chest Wall Tumor Pay
Question: The surgeon dissects down through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and latissimu... Read more
19260 Captures Chest Wall Tumor Pay
Question: The surgeon dissects down through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and latissimu... Read more
Reader Question:
E/M Might Move from Office to ER
Question: The surgeon saw a patient in the office (99214), but later in the same day, sa... Read more
E/M Might Move from Office to ER
Question: The surgeon saw a patient in the office (99214), but later in the same day, sa... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish EGD and PEG Procedures
Question: Should I code the following note as 43246? “The stomach was inflat... Read more
Distinguish EGD and PEG Procedures
Question: Should I code the following note as 43246? “The stomach was inflat... Read more
Reader Question:
Recognize Scar Revision Bundles
Question: During a breast biopsy, the surgeon also performed a scar revision involving m... Read more
Recognize Scar Revision Bundles
Question: During a breast biopsy, the surgeon also performed a scar revision involving m... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Forget 'E' Code for Gun Incident
Question: A patient presented to our clinic for excision of a foreign body from his left... Read more
Don't Forget 'E' Code for Gun Incident
Question: A patient presented to our clinic for excision of a foreign body from his left... Read more
You Be the Coder:
44141 Describes Temporary Colostomy
Question: Following a sigmoid colectomy with end-to-end anastomosis from descending colo... Read more
44141 Describes Temporary Colostomy
Question: Following a sigmoid colectomy with end-to-end anastomosis from descending colo... Read more
CCI 19.2:
Greet E/M Bundles for Nearly Every Integumentary Surgery
Focus on three modifiers for unusual cases. If you’re rusty on when evaluation a... Read more
Greet E/M Bundles for Nearly Every Integumentary Surgery
Focus on three modifiers for unusual cases. If you’re rusty on when evaluation a... Read more
Use modifier 24 when the E/M service meets these criteria
The E/M service occurs during the postoperative period of another procedure The c... Read more
The E/M service occurs during the postoperative period of another procedure The c... Read more
CPT® 2014:
37204 Replaced? Expect Other Vascular Surgery Changes Next Year
Check CPT® editorial panel minutes to glimpse ahead. You don’t have to wait ... Read more
37204 Replaced? Expect Other Vascular Surgery Changes Next Year
Check CPT® editorial panel minutes to glimpse ahead. You don’t have to wait ... Read more
ICD-10:
870-897 Open Wound Options Explode to S00-S99 ICD-10 Categories
Expect more detail for wound type, location. If you thought ICD-9 provided a lot of gr... Read more
870-897 Open Wound Options Explode to S00-S99 ICD-10 Categories
Expect more detail for wound type, location. If you thought ICD-9 provided a lot of gr... Read more
Physician Memo:
OIG Recovered $3.8 Billion in Recent 6 Months
Will the agency recoup from you? Make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i&rsq... Read more
OIG Recovered $3.8 Billion in Recent 6 Months
Will the agency recoup from you? Make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i&rsq... Read more
Reader Question:
PUNLMP Evades ICD-9
Question: What ICD-9 code should I use for a bladder cancer pathology report diagnosis o... Read more
PUNLMP Evades ICD-9
Question: What ICD-9 code should I use for a bladder cancer pathology report diagnosis o... Read more
Reader Question:
36556 Sets Termination Requirements
Question: Our surgeon noted that, for a 62-year-old patient, he inserted a central line ... Read more
36556 Sets Termination Requirements
Question: Our surgeon noted that, for a 62-year-old patient, he inserted a central line ... Read more
Reader Question:
Completion Colectomy Needs Details
Question: A patient had undergone an earlier extended left hemicolectomy with end colost... Read more
Completion Colectomy Needs Details
Question: A patient had undergone an earlier extended left hemicolectomy with end colost... Read more
Reader Question:
43314 Depends on Diagnosis
Question: What’s the correct coding for a rigid bronchoscopy, right thoracotomy wi... Read more
43314 Depends on Diagnosis
Question: What’s the correct coding for a rigid bronchoscopy, right thoracotomy wi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
List History for Colonoscopy Diagnosis
Question: We had a patient who had a colonoscopy for personal history of colon cancer (V... Read more
List History for Colonoscopy Diagnosis
Question: We had a patient who had a colonoscopy for personal history of colon cancer (V... Read more
Splenectomy:
38100: Master Spleen Codes With This Splenomegaly Case
This ‘separate procedure’ doesn’t always stand alone. When your surg... Read more
38100: Master Spleen Codes With This Splenomegaly Case
This ‘separate procedure’ doesn’t always stand alone. When your surg... Read more
CPT® 2013:
99495-99496 Capture Your Surgeon's Transitional Care Management
Clarify reporting details with CMS FAQs. When your general surgeon oversees a very ill... Read more
99495-99496 Capture Your Surgeon's Transitional Care Management
Clarify reporting details with CMS FAQs. When your general surgeon oversees a very ill... Read more
Unit Edits:
Learn These 4 Tips to Overcome General Surgery
Sometimes you can override edits or appeal claims. If you get claims denials for your... Read more
Learn These 4 Tips to Overcome General Surgery
Sometimes you can override edits or appeal claims. If you get claims denials for your... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Surgeon's Lesion Measurement for Size
Question: Our surgeon removed three skin lesions from a patient’s back and neck. I... Read more
Use Surgeon's Lesion Measurement for Size
Question: Our surgeon removed three skin lesions from a patient’s back and neck. I... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch for Extra Services With Colectomy
Question: Please help with coding the following case: Made midline abdominal incisio... Read more
Watch for Extra Services With Colectomy
Question: Please help with coding the following case: Made midline abdominal incisio... Read more
Reader Question:
Brush Up on ICD-10 Differences
Question: I’ve seen lots of specific examples of ICD-10 codes, but I think it woul... Read more
Brush Up on ICD-10 Differences
Question: I’ve seen lots of specific examples of ICD-10 codes, but I think it woul... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Miss Complex Repair 'Anatomic Groups'
Question: We had a case with multiple lacerations requiring complex repair to the follow... Read more
Don't Miss Complex Repair 'Anatomic Groups'
Question: We had a case with multiple lacerations requiring complex repair to the follow... Read more
Hernia Repair:
2 Cases Clear Up Hiatal Hernia Confusion
Save paraesophageal codes for stomach, other herniation. Don’t be fooled —... Read more
2 Cases Clear Up Hiatal Hernia Confusion
Save paraesophageal codes for stomach, other herniation. Don’t be fooled —... Read more
Breakdown Sliding vs. Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia
What passes through hiatus is key. You can’t pick the proper hernia repair CPT&r... Read more
What passes through hiatus is key. You can’t pick the proper hernia repair CPT&r... Read more
CCI Primer:
4 FAQs Spotlight Bundling Rules for General Surgeons
Know when modifiers, ABNs can’t override edit pairs. Keeping abreast of Medicare... Read more
4 FAQs Spotlight Bundling Rules for General Surgeons
Know when modifiers, ABNs can’t override edit pairs. Keeping abreast of Medicare... Read more
ICD-10 Prep:
Focus Your Surgery Practice's ICD-10 Prep With CMS Resources
Don’t miss partial code freeze breather. The countdown to ICD-10 stands at just ... Read more
Focus Your Surgery Practice's ICD-10 Prep With CMS Resources
Don’t miss partial code freeze breather. The countdown to ICD-10 stands at just ... Read more
Reader Question:
62 Splits Work for Two Surgeons
Question: How should we code this open procedure, when the general surgeon performs a si... Read more
62 Splits Work for Two Surgeons
Question: How should we code this open procedure, when the general surgeon performs a si... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch Setting For Terminated Procedure Modifiers
Question: Our surgeon identified an anal mass of approximately 3 cm upon digital rectal ... Read more
Watch Setting For Terminated Procedure Modifiers
Question: Our surgeon identified an anal mass of approximately 3 cm upon digital rectal ... Read more
Reader Question:
Sign-Off on Surgeon's Signature Requirements
Question: How can we make sure our surgeons meet signature requirements for charts and c... Read more
Sign-Off on Surgeon's Signature Requirements
Question: How can we make sure our surgeons meet signature requirements for charts and c... Read more
Reader Question:
Amend Documentation With Care
Question: One of our surgeon’s wants to amend documentation of a procedure, but we... Read more
Amend Documentation With Care
Question: One of our surgeon’s wants to amend documentation of a procedure, but we... Read more
You Be the Coder:
43268 and 43269 Double Up Placement/Removal Service
Question: The patient had a 7 French stent. Our general surgeon performed an ERCP to rem... Read more
43268 and 43269 Double Up Placement/Removal Service
Question: The patient had a 7 French stent. Our general surgeon performed an ERCP to rem... Read more
CCI 19.1:
Don't Double Dip for Included Vessel, Abdominal Work
Watch modifier indicator for override options. When certain procedures are a standard ... Read more
Don't Double Dip for Included Vessel, Abdominal Work
Watch modifier indicator for override options. When certain procedures are a standard ... Read more
ICD-10:
Expect NCD Conversion from ICD-9 to ICD-10
Change should aid payment during code set transition. Your general surgery practice sh... Read more
Expect NCD Conversion from ICD-9 to ICD-10
Change should aid payment during code set transition. Your general surgery practice sh... Read more
Multiple Surgeons:
Divide and Conquer 2-Physician PEG Tube Coding
Find out if you must use different procedure codes. When two surgeons band together fo... Read more
Divide and Conquer 2-Physician PEG Tube Coding
Find out if you must use different procedure codes. When two surgeons band together fo... Read more
Practice Management:
Master X-Y-Zs of Global Period Indicators to Maximize E/M Pay
Make sure to count pre-op day, too. Procedures that your general surgeon performs can ... Read more
Master X-Y-Zs of Global Period Indicators to Maximize E/M Pay
Make sure to count pre-op day, too. Procedures that your general surgeon performs can ... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Laparoscopic, Open Codes
Question: How should we report the procedure when our surgeon performs laparoscopic clos... Read more
Distinguish Laparoscopic, Open Codes
Question: How should we report the procedure when our surgeon performs laparoscopic clos... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Fundoplication Bundles
Question: Our surgeon performed a laparoscopic esophagogastric myotomy with anterior fun... Read more
Beware Fundoplication Bundles
Question: Our surgeon performed a laparoscopic esophagogastric myotomy with anterior fun... Read more
Reader Question:
Make Arrangements for Incident-to Under Locum Tenens
Question: One of the surgeons in our practice will be traveling for two months and has m... Read more
Make Arrangements for Incident-to Under Locum Tenens
Question: One of the surgeons in our practice will be traveling for two months and has m... Read more
Reader Question:
Zero In on Rectal Lesion Excision Code
Question: The surgeon documents “external excision of rectal lesion with primary c... Read more
Zero In on Rectal Lesion Excision Code
Question: The surgeon documents “external excision of rectal lesion with primary c... Read more
Reader Question:
Add E/M for Second Toe
Question: During an appointment for an ingrown toenail surgery, the surgeon finds that t... Read more
Add E/M for Second Toe
Question: During an appointment for an ingrown toenail surgery, the surgeon finds that t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Manage FNA/Biopsy Opportunities
Question: Our surgeon performed an FNA of the right thyroid, and FNA of a nodule of the ... Read more
Manage FNA/Biopsy Opportunities
Question: Our surgeon performed an FNA of the right thyroid, and FNA of a nodule of the ... Read more
CPT® 2013:
37211-37214: Revamp Non-Coronary Thrombolytic Infusion Coding
Focus on initial, subsequent, and final day. If your general or vascular surgeon perfo... Read more
37211-37214: Revamp Non-Coronary Thrombolytic Infusion Coding
Focus on initial, subsequent, and final day. If your general or vascular surgeon perfo... Read more
ICD-10:
I82.4 -- Names Vessels for Lower Extremity Embolism/Thrombosis
That’s a change from 453.4x ICD-9 terminology. Right now, knowing whether a lowe... Read more
I82.4 -- Names Vessels for Lower Extremity Embolism/Thrombosis
That’s a change from 453.4x ICD-9 terminology. Right now, knowing whether a lowe... Read more
Don't Miss New CPT® Instruction for Transcatheter Thrombolytic Infusion
Learn which services you can separately report. You should have a better understanding... Read more
Learn which services you can separately report. You should have a better understanding... Read more
Practice Management:
3 Tips Clean Up Your Incident-To Billing
Steer clear of 2013 OIG Work Plan scrutiny. If your general surgery practice utilizes ... Read more
3 Tips Clean Up Your Incident-To Billing
Steer clear of 2013 OIG Work Plan scrutiny. If your general surgery practice utilizes ... Read more
Reader Question:
'Trocar Site' Leads to Incisional Hernia Codes
Question: How should we bill when our surgeon performs a laparoscopic “trocar site... Read more
'Trocar Site' Leads to Incisional Hernia Codes
Question: How should we bill when our surgeon performs a laparoscopic “trocar site... Read more
Reader Question:
Letter May Provide E/M Documentation
Question: My surgeon reported an established patient office visit code 99214, but the on... Read more
Letter May Provide E/M Documentation
Question: My surgeon reported an established patient office visit code 99214, but the on... Read more
Reader Question:
Mesh Placement May Equal More Pay
Question: We recently had a case in which our surgeon used mesh reinforcement with lapar... Read more
Mesh Placement May Equal More Pay
Question: We recently had a case in which our surgeon used mesh reinforcement with lapar... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Soft Tissue, Skin
Question: The surgeon re-excised a melanoma of the upper arm, removing a 2.9 cm lesion w... Read more
Distinguish Soft Tissue, Skin
Question: The surgeon re-excised a melanoma of the upper arm, removing a 2.9 cm lesion w... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Capture Primary Plus Metastatic Cancer
Question: What are the correct diagnosis codes for malignant breast cancer with metastas... Read more
Capture Primary Plus Metastatic Cancer
Question: What are the correct diagnosis codes for malignant breast cancer with metastas... Read more
CCI 19.0:
32556: Navigate Pleural Drainage Bundles and More
Don’t miss new CPT® 2013 edit pairs that could compromise pay. You’ve ... Read more
32556: Navigate Pleural Drainage Bundles and More
Don’t miss new CPT® 2013 edit pairs that could compromise pay. You’ve ... Read more
CPT® 2013:
Get the Skinny Straight From the AMA
Explore online symposium and errata resources. General surgeons face code changes from... Read more
Get the Skinny Straight From the AMA
Explore online symposium and errata resources. General surgeons face code changes from... Read more
Practice Management:
Get Ready For OIG Scrutiny of Modifiers and More
Audit yourself before the feds come calling. Your general surgery practice could come ... Read more
Get Ready For OIG Scrutiny of Modifiers and More
Audit yourself before the feds come calling. Your general surgery practice could come ... Read more
News You Can Use:
You're Saved From 26.5 Percent Physician Pay Cut
But RVU changes still in effect. General surgeons can expect a reprieve from the dread... Read more
You're Saved From 26.5 Percent Physician Pay Cut
But RVU changes still in effect. General surgeons can expect a reprieve from the dread... Read more
Reader Question:
Take Heed of 3-Surgeon Case
Question: We had three surgeons working together to perform a delayed left breast recons... Read more
Take Heed of 3-Surgeon Case
Question: We had three surgeons working together to perform a delayed left breast recons... Read more
Reader Question:
47120 Doesn't Fit Every Liver Lobectomy
Question: If a surgeon does multiple partial liver lobectomies would you use the 47120 m... Read more
47120 Doesn't Fit Every Liver Lobectomy
Question: If a surgeon does multiple partial liver lobectomies would you use the 47120 m... Read more
Reader Question:
Educate Patients for Up-Front Fees
Question: One of our surgeons returned from a meeting, saying he had learned that we can... Read more
Educate Patients for Up-Front Fees
Question: One of our surgeons returned from a meeting, saying he had learned that we can... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Consider Additional Laparotomy Services
Question:The patient had an exploratory lapartomy with extensive lysis of adhesions, sub... Read more
Consider Additional Laparotomy Services
Question:The patient had an exploratory lapartomy with extensive lysis of adhesions, sub... Read more
CPT® 2013:
43206 and 43252 Define Endomicroscopy Coding
Location distinguishes codes. If your general surgeon is taking high-resolution images... Read more
43206 and 43252 Define Endomicroscopy Coding
Location distinguishes codes. If your general surgeon is taking high-resolution images... Read more
ICD-10:
530.85 Translates to More Distinct Choices in ICD-10
Upgrade your Barrett’s esophagus documentation. One code says it all in ICD-9&nb... Read more
530.85 Translates to More Distinct Choices in ICD-10
Upgrade your Barrett’s esophagus documentation. One code says it all in ICD-9&nb... Read more
CPT® 2013:
Clear Up Pedicle Flap Confusion with 15740 Changes
Named vessel is key. Changes to CPT® 2013 "other flaps and grafts" instr... Read more
Clear Up Pedicle Flap Confusion with 15740 Changes
Named vessel is key. Changes to CPT® 2013 "other flaps and grafts" instr... Read more
CCI Override:
Bring Modifiers 24 and 57 to the Forefront
59 really isn’t you’re only ‘bypass’ option. You’re so u... Read more
Bring Modifiers 24 and 57 to the Forefront
59 really isn’t you’re only ‘bypass’ option. You’re so u... Read more
Reader Question:
Capture Margin Re-Excision
Question: The surgeon performs a lesion re-excision for margin removal because the patho... Read more
Capture Margin Re-Excision
Question: The surgeon performs a lesion re-excision for margin removal because the patho... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch Global Period Requirements
Question: Our surgeon performs an incision and drainage on Jan. 2, and the patient retur... Read more
Watch Global Period Requirements
Question: Our surgeon performs an incision and drainage on Jan. 2, and the patient retur... Read more
Reader Question:
Colonoscopy Code Impervious to Light Color
Question: What is the appropriate CPT® code for a colonoscopy when documentation sta... Read more
Colonoscopy Code Impervious to Light Color
Question: What is the appropriate CPT® code for a colonoscopy when documentation sta... Read more
Reader Question:
Stress Documentation Legibility
Question: I have heard that payers are cracking down on illegible provider documentation... Read more
Stress Documentation Legibility
Question: I have heard that payers are cracking down on illegible provider documentation... Read more
Reader Question:
Match Anatomy to Colon Resection Case
Question: How should we code an open, low-anterior colon resection with diverting ileost... Read more
Match Anatomy to Colon Resection Case
Question: How should we code an open, low-anterior colon resection with diverting ileost... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Beware Lap to Open Conversions
Question: I’m reviewing a coder’s work for a surgery case for a ventral hern... Read more
Beware Lap to Open Conversions
Question: I’m reviewing a coder’s work for a surgery case for a ventral hern... Read more
CPT® 2013:
10 Bullets Focus General Surgery Coding for Jan. 1
Catheter changes lead the charge. You’ll be using CPT® 2013 co... Read more
10 Bullets Focus General Surgery Coding for Jan. 1
Catheter changes lead the charge. You’ll be using CPT® 2013 co... Read more
ICD-10:
Follow Expert Advice for 6-Phase Transition Plan
Remember to factor productivity loss into your budget. The clock is ticking for the Oc... Read more
Follow Expert Advice for 6-Phase Transition Plan
Remember to factor productivity loss into your budget. The clock is ticking for the Oc... Read more
CPT® 2013:
8 New Codes Merge Catheter Placement + Angiography
Yield to hierarchy to dodge denials. Following the trend to create more comprehensive ... Read more
8 New Codes Merge Catheter Placement + Angiography
Yield to hierarchy to dodge denials. Following the trend to create more comprehensive ... Read more
Surgery Guidelines:
'Separate Procedure' Designation Limits How You Use Codes
CPT® and Medicare rules agree. When your surgeon uses a code that CPT® identif... Read more
'Separate Procedure' Designation Limits How You Use Codes
CPT® and Medicare rules agree. When your surgeon uses a code that CPT® identif... Read more
Reader Question:
Learn Modifier PD Payment Impact
Question: Our surgery group practices in a freestanding facility not operated by a hospi... Read more
Learn Modifier PD Payment Impact
Question: Our surgery group practices in a freestanding facility not operated by a hospi... Read more
Reader Question:
Include Lesion Excision In Tissue Transfer
Question: Our surgeon excised a carcinoma of the face. He closed the excision using adja... Read more
Include Lesion Excision In Tissue Transfer
Question: Our surgeon excised a carcinoma of the face. He closed the excision using adja... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid 62 with Unlisted Procedure
Question: How should we bill for a laparoscopic excision and closure of a colovesical fi... Read more
Avoid 62 with Unlisted Procedure
Question: How should we bill for a laparoscopic excision and closure of a colovesical fi... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier 24 Makes E/M During Global a Possibility
Question: When a patient is having feeding problems following major surgery, can the sur... Read more
Modifier 24 Makes E/M During Global a Possibility
Question: When a patient is having feeding problems following major surgery, can the sur... Read more
Reader Question:
Make Sure Surgical Approach Matches Code
Question: How should we bill a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy? In general, if our surgeon pe... Read more
Make Sure Surgical Approach Matches Code
Question: How should we bill a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy? In general, if our surgeon pe... Read more
Reader Question:
'Buckle' Equals Lap Band Revision
Question: Our surgeons perform Gastric Lap Band for obesity. Lately we have had a couple... Read more
'Buckle' Equals Lap Band Revision
Question: Our surgeons perform Gastric Lap Band for obesity. Lately we have had a couple... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Add Up Repairs, Or Lesions?
Question: When our surgeon excises multiple lesions, I’ve heard that we should we ... Read more
Add Up Repairs, Or Lesions?
Question: When our surgeon excises multiple lesions, I’ve heard that we should we ... Read more