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Internal Medicine Coding Alert

Ace Your Nursing Facility Service Claims With These New Rules
Get credit for comprehensive care without assessment using 99310New 2006 nursing facility ... Read more
See How the 2006 NF Codes Stack Up Against 2005's Services
Add this 99301-99318 essential comparison guide to your bulletin boardYou can keep track o... Read more
5 Principles Simplify Your Injection Coding in 2006
Lump B-12, Rocephin and penicillin into 90772, regardless of payerYou can stop denials for... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Opt for 99211 Instead of 15852-52
Question: A patient sees the nurse for a dressing change on a skin tear that did not requi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Assign E/M for Service During Re-Pap
Question: Should I report an office visit in addition to a repeat Pap smear?Massachusetts ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Ask 'Activity or Technique?' to Assign Therapy
Question: When should I use 97140 and CPT 97530 ? Is any pre-testing, such as an MRI, nece... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code New Fluarix in 3 Quick Steps
Question: Our office is expecting a shipment of the Fluarix TIV influenza vaccine. When a ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Diabetes Manifestation
Question: An internist's documentation states, "DM complicated by neuropathy." Should I as... Read more
Take Advantage of Reporting More AT-Home Care With New CPO Codes
CPT 2006 expands 993xx series, adds modifier 25 documentation languageEntry-level services... Read more
Introducing CPT's 'Win-Win' Routine Hospital Care Coding
Higher-paying subsequent care will be your only choice for inpatient follow-up CPT 2006's ... Read more
Capture Payment for Internet Communication With This Strategy
Apply these rules to all phone calls, lab review, care plan revision minutes If you think ... Read more
Expect Confirmatory Consult Cut to Cost You More Than $35
Find out whether 99271-99275 will warrant regular E/M codes come JanuaryJust when you thou... Read more
Winning Ways to Boost Pay-up for Lesions & Closures
Presented by Barbara JohnsonThank you Mandy and good morning to all for joining us.  ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid a Universal Therapeutic Injection Code
Question: The September Internal Medicine Coding Alert discusses coding for injections wit... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Try Q0091-76 With Private Payers
Question: When a Medicare patient requires a repeat Pap smear, I use Q0091 with 795.08. Sh... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Count Readmission as Separate Service
Question: An internist discharges a patient from the hospital and readmits the patient to ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Applaud Proposed IA Intranasal Code Values
Question: What immunization administration (IA) code should I use for FluMist? Because thi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Does NF Discharge Require Internist's Presence?
Question: An internist discharges a patient without performing a face-to-face encounter. M... Read more
NCCI Update:
Override Injection Administration Edits Using Simple Tactic
Version 11.3 reinforces 90788 as separately payable from E/MDespite CMS' latest round of e... Read more
Align Your Earwax Coding Policy With the AMA's New Rule
Reserve 69210 for this impacted cerumen removal scenarioCoding experts who advocate applyi... Read more
This Foolproof Action Plan Secures BP Test Payment
Take these steps to satisfy insurers' 9378493790 requirementsNow you can collect up to $11... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Recoup Nurse Time With 90471/G0008
Question: A new co-worker said that our practice is leaving money on the table by reportin... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Employ 2 Keys to Unlock Same-Day E/M Pay
Question: After a hospital inpatient recovers from an extrinsic status asthmaticus attack,... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Stop Hunting for G0179's SNF Counterpart
Question: When an internist performs a recertification for a skilled nursing facility (SNF... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Opt for New Code for Personal Hx of UTI
Question: A female patient who has had multiple previous urinary tract infections (UTIs) p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Admission and Critical Care
Question: An internist admits a patient to the hospital for alcohol abuse, respiratory fai... Read more
Use 2 Case Studies to Tackle Sports Medicine Coding
Learn the right way - and the wrong way - to code joint injections Coding sprains and join... Read more
Need a Refresher Course on 'Incident-To'? Here Are 3 Tips
How you can code your NP's services with confidence If the term "incident-to" is a four-le... Read more
Use This Incident-To Checklist to Breathe Easier During an Audit
You don't need to second-guess the way you bill your NP's services anymore Pin down Medica... Read more
Sidestep Concurrent Care Pitfalls With Clear Documentation
Hint: Double-check the diagnosis codes before you submit the claim If payers are rejecting... Read more
Reader Questions:
Discover Hard-to-Find ICD-9 Codes
Question: What diagnosis code should I use for a cerebrospinal fluid leak?Texas Subscriber... Read more
Reader Questions:
Translate Your Internist's Notes
Question: Our practice's internist diagnosed a patient with a vitamin B deficiency and not... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Get Stuck With the Wrong CPT Code
Question: My internist removed a piece of cotton stuck in a patient's ear. How should I co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rid Yourself of Wording Worries
Question: A family physician requested that my internist provide a consultation on a patie... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep an Eye on Medical Necessity
Question: Can I bill for an office visit to discuss a patient's normal lab results? If I c... Read more
Reader Questions:
How to Choose a Burn Treatment Code
Question: A patient with blisters on his shoulders from sunburn came into our office. The ... Read more
Reader Questions:
2 Injections Plus 1 Visit Equals 1 Denial?
Question: My internist administers a testosterone shot and an allergy shot during the same... Read more
You be the Coder:
Repeat Pap Smear
Question: My internist performed a repeat Pap smear on a Medicare patient after the lab sa... Read more
Are You Coding Home-Health Services Correctly? Find Out
Why you should list the patient's comorbidities You can correctly code the internist's ho... Read more
Don't Include E/M Services in Your CPO Documentation
Here's how to report the visits separately If your internist sees a patient for an E/M vis... Read more
4 Ways to Improve Your Cessation Reimbursement
Bonus: Why coverage decision may increase payment You can pick the right codes when report... Read more
NCCI 11.2 Update:
Good News: You Can Now Report G0354 With G0345-G0361
CMS also trims the 11719-11721 bundles The next time your internist bills Medicare for ad... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Get Tongue-Tied Over 10120
Question: A patient's bridge wire became imbedded in the underside of his tongue, and the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Paid for Paper-Pushing
Question: I have a patient who is applying for early disability retirement. I have spent f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append 76 for Multiple Nebulizer Treatments
Question: A patient with acute asthma requires three same-visit nebulizer treatments to co... Read more
Reader Questions:
When You Can Report ED Codes
Question: The hospital asked my on-call internist to admit a patient. He spent one hour wi... Read more
YOU be the Coder! - Dementia and ROS
Question: One of our internists noted that a patient had shortness of breath with no palpi... Read more
ICD-9 2006 Expands Your CKD Coding Options
Tip: Use a patient's disease stage to pick the right codeIf your internist manages or diag... Read more
Don't Lose Sleep Trying to Fathom New Sleep-Problem Codes
CMS creates 21 new ICD-9 codes that you'll need to learn by Oct. 1CMS' new and revised sle... Read more
2 Top Tips Explain How to Use ABNs to Get Fair Payment
Find out why a patient's refusal to sign doesn't mean you won't get paidDon't write off un... Read more
Use This Handy Chart to Update Your Current Sleep-Disorder Diagnoses
Match the current codes with the ones you'll be using in a few monthsYou can jump start th... Read more
Patient Registration Secrets to Save You Thousands
Presented by Steven M. Verno, CMBSIThe following supplement to Internal Medicine Coding Al... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
You Have to Carve Out G0101 and Q0091, Too
Question: Your article "How to Carve Out Your Reimbursement for Traditional Preventive Vis... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Get the Lowdown on Tricky New BMI Codes
Question: CMS has added 18 new V codes to test for body mass index in 2006. How will this ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Modifier 24 to Keep Behaviors Straight
Question: The internist excised an "uncertain behavior" neoplasm from a patient's skin. Fi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Own the Stress-Test Machine? Then Use 93015
Question: How should I code an in-office pharmacological stress test, including the adenos... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Limit Your Follow-Up Consult Charges
Question: If the internist wants to follow up with a patient once a month after an initial... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Modifier 59 Helps You Report 2 Excision Codes
Question: The internist excised two sebaceous cysts off of the patient's back. One cyst wa... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Prescription Refills
Question: We often refill patients' prescriptions but don't know how to charge the insuran... Read more
Expert Guidance Helps You End Your IPPE Confusion
Get the 7 crucial requirements you need to report G0344By now you know to report G0344 for... Read more
Afraid to Report Unlisted and Category III Codes? Here Are 3 Easy Tips
Let our case study and expert advice show you what to doSubstituting Category III or unlis... Read more
Physician Education:
Use This Checklist to Develop an IPPE Template
Keep Medicare's 7 requirements at your internist's fingertipsThe best way for you to remem... Read more
Tip of the Month:
How to Carve Out Your Reimbursement for Traditional Preventive Visits
Correctly coding same-day sick and preventive exams is easier than you thinkAlthough Medic... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
99316 Represents Final Exam and Discussion
Question: My internist documented a level-two nursing-home assessment and a nursing-home d... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Stick With Insurer's Procrit Coding Guidelines
Question: How should we report Procrit injections?Virginia Subscriber Answer: Coding requi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Repeat Procedures? You May Need Modifier -77
Question: When should I use modifier -77?Texas Subscriber Answer: Use modifier -77 (Repeat... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Let Simple Burn Coding Get Complicated
Question: A patient came in with first- and second-degree burns on her hand. The internist... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Why In-Office Procedures Pay More
Question: Would you explain the difference between facility and nonfacility relative value... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
You Can't Code Patient Monitoring
Question: Which code should we report when the doctor spends 15-20 minutes observing the p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Saline Infusion
Question: The internist saw a Medicare patient who had very low blood pressure, so he had ... Read more
Back to the Basics:
5 FAQs to Help You Accurately Code Suture Removals
Knowing the right answer could mean $35 in deserved payment  If you code for an inter... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Changes 'Incident-To' Position - Yet Again
Best bet: Assume that physicians who order services must also supervise them Internists wh... Read more
Tip of the Month:
Here's How to Develop a Surefire IM Coding Cheat Sheet
 2 easy steps are all you need Before you create a coding "cheat sheet" for your IM o... Read more
Take a Look at Our Sample Diagnosis-Coding Cheat Sheet
To get an idea of what an ICD-9 cheat sheet may look like, check out this sample cheat she... Read more
Understand the Key Criteria to Code Consultations
Tip: You should be able to distinguish between the four types of visits You can ensure pay... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Sweat the Sports Lingo ICD-9 Coding
Question: Is there a difference between golfer's and tennis elbow?West Virginia Subscriber... Read more
Reader Questions:
End Your Indicator '9' Confusion
Question: What does the "9" in the modifier column of the National Correct Coding Initiati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Hang Up on 99371 Reimbursement
Question: Will insurance companies reimburse telephone codes 99371-99373? Our internist pr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Last-Minute Documentation
Question: This past July we billed 99213 for an office visit. Now, the patient's insurance... Read more
Reader Questions:
You Need 4 Codes for Venom Injection
Question: How should I code an insect venom injection to treat anaphylaxis from a bee stin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn the Steps to Report an E/M With 95250
Question: Why am I receiving denials on claims for 95250 and an E/M visit? Should I be rep... Read more
Reader Questions:
Skip the Unspecified Asthma Codes
Question: An elderly patient with a history of asthma developed bronchitis. How should I c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hospital Care Leads to Office Visit
Question: While on duty at the hospital, our internist treated a patient for migraine head... Read more
Get the Lowdown on Medicare's New Diabetes Coverage
Rely on lab and E/M codes to report the screening tests Your internist could be losing de... Read more
Let 3 Tips Earn You Deserved Pay for Cardio Blood Tests
Bonus: Why you still need ABNs despite new coverageYou can sidestep pesky Medicare denials... Read more
Clip and Save:
How to Help Your Internist Use The New Screening Benefit
Use this tool as a reminder on how - and when - to report the lab testsBe sure you take ad... Read more
Expert Advice Shows You How To Report TEB Tests
Tip: Use modifier -26 when the internist performs TEB in the hospitalWhen your internist p... Read more
Spearhead Your Denial Management Efforts With A 'Top 10' Rejections List
Sharing Top 10 information in physician-staff meetings can help eliminate the cause of you... Read more
Run These 4 Billing Reports for Success in Fighting Denials
Our experts show you how to make the most of your monthly reportsReviewing your EOBs is a ... Read more
You Be the Expert:
Record Medicare Patient's Exact Card Data-or Face Denials
Question: We've been receiving numerous Medicare claim denials recently, and there doesn't... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
CPR Does Not Equal Critical Care
Question: In the January 2005 Internal Medicine Coding Alert, the reader question "When CP... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Report 1 Inpatient Code Per Day
Question: In the afternoon the family physician in our group practice admitted a patient f... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Get Ready for Medicare's Strict ABPM Coverage
Question: My internist has begun providing 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. How should I... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
The Right Times for You to Report 94060 and 94640
Question: My internist performs pre- and post-treatment pulmonary function tests (PFTs). H... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Obese or Morbidly Obese? There's a Big Difference
Question: Which ICD-9 codes should I use for patients who are obese but not morbidly obese... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get the Scoop on Medicare's Reasons for Denials
Question: Do you have a list of Medicare's "Top 10" reasons for denying practices' cl... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Do You Need Modifier -21 or 99354?
Question: The internist saw a Medicare patient with a complicated history in the office fo... Read more
Remicade Therapy:
Chemotherapy Codes Are Your Ticket to Medicare Reimbursement
Here's how the term 'biologic response modifier' affects your codingAlthough you probably ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Don't Miss Out on the Latest Incident-to Clarifications
CMS: The ordering physician doesn't always have to supervise treatmentHeads up, IM coders:... Read more
Does Your Depression Coding Need a Tune-Up? Find Out
Use these 2 scenarios to keep your desk free of counseling denialsYou can help your physic... Read more
3 Quick Tips to Achieve Ethical Modifier -25 Reimbursement
Inside: The best way to get your copy of our easy-to-use appeal letterModifier -25 may be ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Be Aware of Hypoglycemic Unawareness
Question: Our internist wants a diagnosis code for "hypoglycemic unawareness."... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Screen Your ICD-9 Colonoscopy Codes
Question: We recently filed a claim for a screening colonoscopy for a Medicare patient, bu... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Why the Secondary Cancer Is Your Primary Code
Question: If the internist sees a patient for metastasis to the lung, and the cancer origi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
CPT Separates an EKG's Components for You
Question: Which modifiers should we use when billing 93000 to Medicare? I tried both the t... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Get Up-to-Date on 2005's Nebulizer Drug Codes
Question: The nurse gave a patient Albuterol, and I reported J7618 for the medication. Our... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Missing the Confirmation? Fill the Gap With V72.40
Question: Under what circumstance should I use the diagnosis code V72.40? Vermont Subscrib... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Additional Glucose Tests
Question: A patient presented to receive a glucose blood test using a reagent strip (82948... Read more
4 Examples Show You How to Report HCPCS Codes G0345-G0350 With Confidence
Plus: Why more infusion-coding changes are coming your way in 2006 To make sure Medicare ... Read more
What the New G Codes Mean For Your Bottom Line
Bonus: Here's how to get paid for same-day injections and E/M services This year, you can ... Read more
NCCI 11.0 Bundles G0345 With Colorectal Screening Codes
The latest edits could mean the difference between payment and denial The National Correc... Read more
Use This Chart to Tie New G Codes to 90780-90784
We've saved you the trouble of combing through the Federal Register If you want to know ho... Read more
Are You Forfeiting Payment Are You Forfeiting Payment
Say goodbye to your confusion over screening guidelines The next time your internist p... Read more
Reader Questions:
CMS Changes Venipuncture Coding Requirements
Question: How should I report routine venipuncture to Medicare?California Subscriber Answe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Let Time Guide Your Follow-Up E/M Coding
Question: A patient saw the internist to get results on labs and monitoring. The physician... Read more
Reader Questions:
First-Time Patient Means New-Patient Codes
Question: A new patient presented for a physician/preventive exam. The patient also had th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Simple Removal Won't Justify 69210
Question: The internist documented that a patient has "wax bilaterally" and that the nurse... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get a Grip on Bone-Density Studies
Question: What are Medicare's requirements for reporting bone-density studies?Pennsylvania... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cyst Removal
Question: The internist excised two sebaceous cysts off of the patient's back. One cyst wa... Read more
Don't Skip a Beat When You Report 93015-93018
Here's why 'component coding' is key  If you report cardiovascular stress tests (930... Read more
News You Can Use:
What the 2005 Fee Schedule Means for IM Offices
Good news: Your internist won't see the expected 3.3 percent pay cut This year, your inte... Read more
Clip and Save:
Skip Modifiers When You Report Stress Tests
Let the CPT definitions be your guide to component coding If you're tempted to attach... Read more
Fee Schedule Update:
How Coders Can Welcome 'New' Medicare Visits
 We've got the scoop on the latest guidelines for preventive care and EKGs By now you... Read more
What You Need to End Your Biopsy-Shaving Confusion
 Test yourself on everyday biopsy and excision dilemmas Even though your internist d... Read more
Are You Ready to End Your E/M-Guideline Confusion? We Can Help
Use CMS' responses to our questions to report correct E/M levels Like many coders,... Read more
You Be the Expert:
Should You Factor Patient's Status?
Question: During an office visit, my doctor performed an expanded problem-focused history,... Read more
Bonus Question:
Improve Your Prescription Drug Documentation
Find out what CMS has to say about the management options category Calculating a patient's... Read more
Reader Questions:
2nd-Degree Burn Code Is a 1st-Degree Mistake
Question: The physician diagnosed a patient with a second-degree burn on her right palm (9... Read more
Reader Questions:
Expect Different Policies for Oximetry Coverage
Question: Under what circumstances will insurers reimburse 94760? Can we report this code ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Risk E/M Payment When Prescribing Drugs
Question: The internist was going to prescribe Methotrexate and Remicade, which would requ... Read more
Reader Questions:
When CPR May Equal Critical Care
Question: Can the internist charge 92950 (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation [e.g., in cardiac ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count the Number of Immunotherapy Injections
Question: When should I report 95115 instead of 95117? What other codes are applicable?Ten... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Teaching Physician Exceptions
Question: My internist works at a teaching hospital, and I've heard about a "primary-care ... Read more
Reader Question:
Let the Elements Drive Your History Documentation
Question: The chart that physicians use to select the level of history includes identifier... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nursing Home Discharge
Question: How should we bill for a nursing home discharge after the patient has died? New ... Read more
Available Years:  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998