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ICD 10 Coding Alert

Reader Question:

30901 Can Pair With E/M Code

Published on Mon May 07, 2012

Question: A patient experienced a nosebleed while in the office. The hematologist used packing in the patient's right nostril for 15 minutes and then used a silver nitrate stick to stop the bleed. May we report this service separately from the E/M? The physician also performed a level-4 established visit to evaluate the patient's thrombocytopenia.Illinois SubscriberAnswer: In the case you describe, you may report 30901 (Control nasal hemorrhage, anterior, simple [limited cautery and/or packing], any method) linked to current ICD-9 code 784.7 (Epistaxis). You may report the 30901 service in addition to 99214 (Office or other outpatient visit ...) linked to the appropriate thrombocytopenia code (such as 287.30, Primary thrombocytopenia, unspecified).The intervention you describe, which succeeded with the first attempt, meets the requirements for the limited cautery and/or packing code.If ice packs or pressure had been sufficient to control the bleed, experts advise incorporating the service into the E/M code. [...]
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