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Internal Medicine Coding Alert

CPT 2008:
Find Out How to Code 99305-99318 Based on Time
You'll need solid counseling/care coordination notes for new nursing facility codes You'l... Read more
CPT 2008:
Look Simply at Time When Coding Calls, Counseling in 2008
Some services are getting easier to report, but will insurers pay? If figuring the level ... Read more
Use 25 to Overturn Denial of OV With 95115 or 95117
Medicare now allows same-day E/M service and allergy injection -- and your payers should... Read more
Reader Question:
Global Period Is for the Performing Physician Only
Question: An established patient had an accident while on vacation, and another physician... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Modifier 91 to Separate Repeat Tests
Question: A patient with controlled type II diabetes reports to the internist saying he f... Read more
Reader Question:
E Code Helps Explain Insulin Overdose
Question: An established patient with uncontrolled type II diabetes who is on insulin and... Read more
You Be The Coder:
'T' Modifiers and Toenail Treatment Claims
Question: An established patient complaining of pain in toes on both feet and with a swol... Read more
Zoom In on Simple, Complicated I&D Differences for Pay Boost
Complicated I&D code is twice as valuable as simple one If you bill for a simple I&am... Read more
These 4 Steps Help You Sort Out Flu Vaccination Coding
Coding differs for intranasal vaccine, ‘shot’ immunization   &rsquo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Wait on Pathology Before Coding Lesion Excision
Question: When I code my internist's lesion treatments, how can I tell when to choose an e... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Modifiers Off of Treadmill Test Claim
Question: Our internist went to the hospital to meet an established patient with new comp... Read more
Reader Questions:
Can V Codes Be Primary Diagnoses?
Question: When the internist performs diabetes screenings for our Medicare patients, what... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Approves Pay for More
Question: What are Medicare's pay policies for the new moderate (conscious) sedation code... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code for Condition Only When Physician Makes Diagnosis
Question: The internist treats a new patient with a chronic cough and abnormal sputum. Du... Read more
You Be The Coder:
NP Visits and New Problems
NP Visits and New Problems Question: One of our nurse practitioners (NP) is conducting ... Read more
Pay Attention to 5-Year Rule for Cardiovascular Screens, or Risk Denials
ABN protects you if patient forgets last screening date Medicare patients who report to y... Read more
Discover How Waived Status Can Impact the Bottom Line
CLIA certification allows office to bill for several lab services Without Clinical Labor... Read more
Depth Alone Does Not Drive Wound Repair Coding
Surprise: Some deep cuts are actually simple fixes Before reporting laceration repair, yo... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Modifier 25 if You Find Separate E/M Proof
Question: A new patient with a bump on his leg reports to the internist. He says the wou... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Payer Policy Before Filing TEB Test Code
Question: Some insurers are not accepting claims for thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TE... Read more
Reader Question:
Coding All 99213s Can Bring Compliance Trouble
Question: I think my physicians frequently perform office visits that warrant coding at l... Read more
You Be The Coder:
ICD-9 Coding for Burns in the Same Region
Question: A patient reports to the internist with a pair of burns: a second-degree burn o... Read more
Identify Observation Services or Leave $$ on the Table
CPT has codes specifically designed for single-date observation servicesWhen your internis... Read more
Here's How To Tell if Nosebleed Treatment Is Actually an E/M
Multiple attempts, certain methods mark CPT-approved treatmentsWhen your internist treats ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Document All Activities During CPO Service
Question: When the internist performs monthly care plan oversight (CPO) for a Medicare pat... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Be Specific With Meniscus Tear Diagnosis
Question: A new patient reports to the internist complaining of pain and swelling in her r... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Nerve Monitoring May Be Bell's Palsy Check
Question: I overheard a coworker discussing facial nerve monitoring testing for patients w... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Asthma With Croup Requires 5-Digit ICD-9 Code
Question: An established patient with a history of asthma who is now taking Albuterol repo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Withdrawal Symptoms = 'Artificial Menopause' Dx
Question: A new patient who had a hysterectomy earlier this year reported to the internist... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Coding Differs for Median Neuritis, Carpal Tunnel
Question: What's the difference between 354.0 (Carpal tunnel syndrome--Median nerve entrap... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Complete ROS Requires Double-Digit Reviews
Question: I have a question about the review of systems (ROS) portion of E/M services. W... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose Modifier Carefully for Dual Injections
Question: The internist in our office recently treated a patient with tendinitis in her ri... Read more
Check Materials When Deciding Between Splinting, Strapping
Tape, bandage wrap could indicate strapping When a patient reports to the internist need... Read more
Catch Coumadin Coding Mistakes Ahead of Time With This Advice
Still eyeing those pretty new Coumadin codes? Here's why they'll break your heart Some c... Read more
Clip and Save:
Keep These Common Medical Terms Handy
Knowledge of terms can make coding less confusing Every medical coder knows the importan... Read more
News You Can Use:
Gear Up for 2008 ICD-9 With This Sneak Peek at Some New V Codes
Code V17.4 is 'history' Beginning Oct. 1, 2007, you'll have some new additions to your V... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Double-Dip on Urinalysis Claims
Question: I am new to internal medicine coding and have a question or two about urinalyse... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use E/M Codes to Reflect X-Ray Reinterpretations
Question: If an internist performs an x-ray interpretation but the practice does not perf... Read more
Reader Questions:
Confirm/Deny Emphysema Dx, Then Choose Code
Question: During an initial consultation with a new patient complaining of wheezing and b... Read more
Reader Questions:
Diabetes Assessment, Group Session Require Separate Codes
Question: After the internist diagnoses a new patient with type II diabetes mellitus, the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember E Codes for Accident Victim's Injury
Question: An established patient was in an automobile accident in which he collided with ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Single Code for Drainage/Joint Injection
Question: An established patient reports to the internist after falling from a ladder. She... Read more
You be the coder - Coding Multiple-Day Ventilation Services
Question: Another physician is treating a patient who has acute respiratory failure super... Read more
Check the Clock on Multiple-Substance Infusions -- Time Can Make All the Difference
You must meet the 16-minute mark for any infusionWhen your internist performs an infusion ... Read more
Pay Falls When Coders Can't Recognize Incident-to
If physician does not author care plan, incident-to coding is impossible Each time a nonph... Read more
News You Can Use:
New ICD-9 Beefs Up Dysphagia Code Set
Look for final list in early June In the fall, you will have some new ICD-9 codes to ... Read more
Reader Question ~ Check With Payer for FB Sensation Diagnosis
Check With Payer for FB Sensation Diagnosis Question: A new patient reports to the intern... Read more
Reader Question ~ Unbundle Lesion Biopsy, Wart Destruction With Modifier 59
Question: A patient with three plantar warts on his right foot and a lesion with benign pa... Read more
Reader Question ~ Mind Your Modifiers on E/Ms During Global Periods
Question: The physician performed incision and drainage on a patient's complicated forearm... Read more
Reader Question ~ G0375 Covers Smoking Cessation Counseling
Question: We're not having much success getting payment for smoking cessation counseling w... Read more
You Be the Coder ~ Be Careful With Bee-Sting Diagnosis
Question: A new patient reports to the internist after inadvertently getting too close t... Read more
Know the Difference Between FOBT Types -- and Code Them Right Every Time
Use 82272 for post-DRE screening When a patient reports to the office for a fecal occult b... Read more
CCI 13.1 Brings Bundles to Burn and Debridement Codes
Latest edits also outlaw injection/IV push coding combo The latest version of the Cor... Read more
Is E/M 'Separate' or 'Inherent'? Find Out Before Filing With Modifier 25
Remember, not all pre-procedure services constitute a separate E/M If your internist perfo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Patient Status Before Choosing
Question: One of our established Medicare patients is a resident at an assisted living fac... Read more
Reader Questions:
J7620 Eases Compound Drug Coding
Question: Our nurse practitioner (NP) administered a nebulizer treatment recently, and I a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Forget POS When Answering Critical Care Question
Question: Our physician provided 100 minutes of critical care to a patient, but the encoun... Read more
You be the Coder:
Concurrent Saline Infusion During Remicade Session
Question: An established patient with Crohn's disease in his colon reports to the internis... Read more
Master Frequency Rules, Risk Categories for Medicare Colonoscopy Screenings
Medicare has specific frequency requirements for average- and high-risk patientsMedicare p... Read more
Remember 'Rule of Nines' When Calculating Patient's Burned Body Area
When a patient has multiple burns, make sure to include a dx for each oneWhen the internis... Read more
Correction:
Reflect Phenergan With HCPCS Code J2550, Not J2250
When coding for Phenergan, don’t mix up the “25” with a “22.&rdq... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose Single ICD-9 Code to Represent Aortic/Mitral Valve Condition
Question: The internist ordered an electrocardiogram  for a patient diagnosed with st... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
When Internist Removes ED Stitches, Opt for E/M Code
Question: An established patient with three scalp sutures reports to the internist for sut... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Dermabond/Suture Combo Calls for Wound Care Code
Question: An established Medicare patient reports to the internist after falling from the ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check Payer Policy Before Reporting Bandage Wrap as Strapping
Question: A patient reports with a swollen right index finger that she injured while catch... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Confirm Physician Involvement, Instrumentation Before Coding Cerumen Removal
Question: If a patient reports to the internist for removal of cerumen (earwax), what code... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Size Matters When Choosing Devitalized Tissue Removal Code
Question: A patient with a pressure ulcer on his shoulder blades reported to the office, a... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
ABPM Readings
Question: Our internist recently performed an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a pa... Read more
Here's Why Multiple Lesions Don't Always Mean Multiple Codes
Under certain conditions, you should add repair areas and report 1 code When patients... Read more
When You See a 'Targeted' Code, Forget About Moderate Sedation Code
Coders report that some insurers are now reimbursing sedation When your physician per... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Stress Test Code Depends on Physician Equipment, Involvement
Question: A morbidly obese patient who was having chest pains reported to the office for t... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Use Biopsy Code for Diagnostic Removal
Question: The physician saw an established patient with a patch of rough skin on his forea... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Suture Removal Usually Bundled Into Surgical Package
Question: When an established patient reports to our physician for suture removals, what c... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Beware Bundled Services on Critical Care Claims
Question: Our physician performed 64 minutes of critical care on a patient in cardiac arre... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Location Won't Drive Observation Service Coding
Question: Our internist performed an observation service on a patient who was not in the o... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Patient Specifics Provide Keys to Best 'Chronic Pain Syndrome' Code
Question: What is the best diagnosis code for chronic pain syndrome?Indiana Subscriber&nbs... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Knowing These Terms Can Correct Your Bronchitis Denials
Question: When I use 491.9, payers often deny the code and request additional information.... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Charge for PPD Readings in Certain Situations
Question: We charge for a PPD placement but historically have not coded for reading the te... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ ICD-9 Coding for Patients Who Exhibit Depressive Symptoms
Question: What ICD-9 codes should I use when a patient exhibits signs of depression, but t... Read more
Master Reporting Guidelines When You Perform Multiple Injections
Break out the modifiers if you want to collect You can set yourself up for clean injection... Read more
Take 3 Steps to Perfect Your Lesion Excision Claims
CPT code may change once you get that lab data back For proper claims for lesion excisions... Read more
NCCI Focuses on New Vent Management Codes, Nursing Facility Care
Check out the new edition of edits to see if your practice will be affected The latest... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Fear the Unlisted J Code
Question: Which J code should I report when the physician performs an IV infusion of dilti... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Check Dx Codes for Lab Work
Question: When the internist collects blood samples and sends them to an outside lab for a... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Make the Most of Diagnosis Options
Question: I know we have to list the code for the patient's primary diagnosis on the claim... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Include Fluorescein in E/M
Question: Our physician performed a fluorescein staining for detecting a corneal abrasion.... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Stop Using 17000 for Plantar Wart Destruction
Question: I recently learned that codes 17000 and 17004 now only apply to premalignant les... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get to Know the New Inhalation Codes
Question: I know that CPT introduced two new bronchodilator codes this year. How should I ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Keep an Eye on Chronic Conditions
Question: The 1997 audit guidelines state that I can reach an extended history by updati... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
For Synvisc, Ignore HCPCS 2007
Question: I've heard a few different answers on how we should report Synvisc injections. W... Read more
Nail Down Your Lung Diagnoses With These ICD-9 Coding Tips
Focus on acute conditions and exacerbations to select the right code Your key to correctly... Read more
Look for Keywords to Support COPD
Physicians will base an initial COPD diagnosis on several factors, and the best documentat... Read more
3 Lessons Can Boost Your Supervision Level Expertise
Code requires personal supervision? Make sure the doctor is in the room Supervision levels... Read more
Don't Use the 'Loophole' to Bill All Visits as 99215
Surprise! CPT and CMS require medical necessity for all E/M visits If you are a victim of ... Read more
IN BLACK & WHITE
According to chapter 12, section 30.6.1 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual, "Medical... Read more
Save Time and Trouble by Using ABN Correctly
Learn the basics of this common document An advance beneficiary notice is a written n... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Don't Expect G0102 Payment
Question: I know CMS has released bulletins saying G0102 (Prostate cancer screening; digit... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Confirm Diagnosis Before You Report It
Question: If the physician hasn't indicated ECG results in his final diagnosis, should I c... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ Answer 5 Questions to Determine Significance
Question: How can I tell if a problem that the internist diagnoses at a preventive medicin... Read more
Available Years:  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998