Internal Medicine Coding Alert
IPPE Coding:
Bust The Myths Around IPPE Claims
Hint: Don’t forget to report additional preventive services separately. When rep... Read more
Bust The Myths Around IPPE Claims
Hint: Don’t forget to report additional preventive services separately. When rep... Read more
Medicare Immunization:
Ensure Tetanus Vaccine Coding Is Always A Success
Hint: Report appropriate diagnosis codes to avoid denials. When your clinician adminis... Read more
Ensure Tetanus Vaccine Coding Is Always A Success
Hint: Report appropriate diagnosis codes to avoid denials. When your clinician adminis... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
One-to-One Crossover For Actinic Keratosis
Hint: Use same diagnosis code for solar or senile keratosis. When your clinician diagn... Read more
One-to-One Crossover For Actinic Keratosis
Hint: Use same diagnosis code for solar or senile keratosis. When your clinician diagn... Read more
Reader Question:
White Coat Hypertension
Question: Our physician recently diagnosed a patient with “white coat hyperte... Read more
White Coat Hypertension
Question: Our physician recently diagnosed a patient with “white coat hyperte... Read more
Reader Question:
Do Not Bill 99051 as Stand-Alone Code
Question: I have three questions about using 99051: 1. Should we use 99051 in add... Read more
Do Not Bill 99051 as Stand-Alone Code
Question: I have three questions about using 99051: 1. Should we use 99051 in add... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Avoid Coding Confusion For Multiple Injections
Question: We report injection administration with 96372. However, if two injections... Read more
Avoid Coding Confusion For Multiple Injections
Question: We report injection administration with 96372. However, if two injections... Read more
Modifier Update:
Learn About Specific Alternatives to Modifier 59 in 2015
Hint: Modifier 59 is not totally outdated, but CMS will prefer use of new substitutes. ... Read more
Learn About Specific Alternatives to Modifier 59 in 2015
Hint: Modifier 59 is not totally outdated, but CMS will prefer use of new substitutes. ... Read more
Preventive Services:
Avoid These Common Errors in Preventive Care Coding
Report your well-patient services properly to collect accurate reimbursement. As a int... Read more
Avoid These Common Errors in Preventive Care Coding
Report your well-patient services properly to collect accurate reimbursement. As a int... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Multiple Options For Vascular Dementia Reporting
Hint: All associated behavioral problems come under one code choice. Don’t be ve... Read more
Multiple Options For Vascular Dementia Reporting
Hint: All associated behavioral problems come under one code choice. Don’t be ve... Read more
Reader Question:
Rely on Intent to Report Skin Lesion Removal Code
Question: If our internal medicine specialist removes a skin lesion by shaving it a... Read more
Rely on Intent to Report Skin Lesion Removal Code
Question: If our internal medicine specialist removes a skin lesion by shaving it a... Read more
Reader Question:
Planning on Reporting ED E/M Codes For Emergencies? Think Again
Question: If our internal medicine specialist saw a patient in his office for an em... Read more
Planning on Reporting ED E/M Codes For Emergencies? Think Again
Question: If our internal medicine specialist saw a patient in his office for an em... Read more
Reader Question:
White Coat Hypertension is a Valid Diagnosis
Question: Our physician recently diagnosed a patient with “white coat hyperte... Read more
White Coat Hypertension is a Valid Diagnosis
Question: Our physician recently diagnosed a patient with “white coat hyperte... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Global Days Before Reporting Repeat Procedures
Question: Our physician recently performed an I&D procedure on a carbuncle. We ... Read more
Check Global Days Before Reporting Repeat Procedures
Question: Our physician recently performed an I&D procedure on a carbuncle. We ... Read more
CPT® 2015 Update:
Preview Your 2015 Vaccine Codes With New, Revised CPT® Updates
Check out new additions to arthrocentesis procedures that involve guidance. If you ... Read more
Preview Your 2015 Vaccine Codes With New, Revised CPT® Updates
Check out new additions to arthrocentesis procedures that involve guidance. If you ... Read more
Sports Physicals:
Utilize 3 Options to Get School Physical Reimbursement Rolling
Look towards combining a sport physical with an annual well-care visit. If your intern... Read more
Utilize 3 Options to Get School Physical Reimbursement Rolling
Look towards combining a sport physical with an annual well-care visit. If your intern... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Watch For One-to-One Matches For Noninfectious Gastroenteritis Disorder
Hint: Look for causative factor in the documentation to zero in on right ICD-10 code. ... Read more
Watch For One-to-One Matches For Noninfectious Gastroenteritis Disorder
Hint: Look for causative factor in the documentation to zero in on right ICD-10 code. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Check if Tetanus Administrations Are Covered Services
Question: Does Medicare cover Tetanus when it is administered to a patient without ... Read more
Check if Tetanus Administrations Are Covered Services
Question: Does Medicare cover Tetanus when it is administered to a patient without ... Read more
Reader Question:
Reporting Repeat Procedures Depends on Global Days Defined
Question: Our physician recently performed an I&D procedure on a carbuncle. We ... Read more
Reporting Repeat Procedures Depends on Global Days Defined
Question: Our physician recently performed an I&D procedure on a carbuncle. We ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Report Arthrocentesis Aspiration & Injection Separately Every Time
Question: If our internist is performing an arthrocentesis procedure and injects a ... Read more
Don't Report Arthrocentesis Aspiration & Injection Separately Every Time
Question: If our internist is performing an arthrocentesis procedure and injects a ... Read more
CPT® Coding Strategies:
Laceration Coding Made Easy With This Expert Advice
Don’t forget to check CCI for multiple laceration repair reporting. When reporti... Read more
Laceration Coding Made Easy With This Expert Advice
Don’t forget to check CCI for multiple laceration repair reporting. When reporti... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Skin Lesion Removal Coding Skills With This Quiz
Check on when you can or cannot report an E/M service. Reporting a lesion removal that... Read more
Test Your Skin Lesion Removal Coding Skills With This Quiz
Check on when you can or cannot report an E/M service. Reporting a lesion removal that... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Straightforward Coding For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Hint: You cannot use the same code when the diagnosis is mixed anxiety disorder. When ... Read more
Straightforward Coding For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Hint: You cannot use the same code when the diagnosis is mixed anxiety disorder. When ... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Check Your Skin Lesion Removal Coding Know-How
Reporting skin lesion removals performed by your internal medicine specialist can be ver... Read more
Check Your Skin Lesion Removal Coding Know-How
Reporting skin lesion removals performed by your internal medicine specialist can be ver... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Confusion Over Reporting Infant Assessment
Question: In our physician’s office, a newborn is seen as a quick assessment ... Read more
Avoid Confusion Over Reporting Infant Assessment
Question: In our physician’s office, a newborn is seen as a quick assessment ... Read more
Reader Question:
Slow Patient Will Not Justify Timely Filing Exception
Question: Our patient gave us her Medicare card but said Medicare was her secondary... Read more
Slow Patient Will Not Justify Timely Filing Exception
Question: Our patient gave us her Medicare card but said Medicare was her secondary... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hyperkeratotic Lesion Removal Depends on Number
Question: If our physician removed a callus from one foot and four more such lesion... Read more
Hyperkeratotic Lesion Removal Depends on Number
Question: If our physician removed a callus from one foot and four more such lesion... Read more
CCI 20.2 Update:
New CCI Policies For Multiple Skin Lesion Destruction Codes
CCI also adds new bundles for reporting two E/M services together. Hold your horses if... Read more
New CCI Policies For Multiple Skin Lesion Destruction Codes
CCI also adds new bundles for reporting two E/M services together. Hold your horses if... Read more
Prolonged Services:
Prolonged Services Codes Can Generate Extra Pay With E/M Services
Document accurate E/M time to get maximum deserved reimbursement. Whenever your clinic... Read more
Prolonged Services Codes Can Generate Extra Pay With E/M Services
Document accurate E/M time to get maximum deserved reimbursement. Whenever your clinic... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Documentation Hold Key For Major Depressive Disorder
Hint: Use different code sets when the diagnosis is recurrent episodes of MDD. When yo... Read more
Documentation Hold Key For Major Depressive Disorder
Hint: Use different code sets when the diagnosis is recurrent episodes of MDD. When yo... Read more
Reader Question:
Single Lesion Removal Using Different Techniques
Question: Our internal medicine physician recently performed removal of a plantar w... Read more
Single Lesion Removal Using Different Techniques
Question: Our internal medicine physician recently performed removal of a plantar w... Read more
Reader Question:
E/M Not Mandatory While Reporting 96372
Question: Our internist recently diagnosed a patient with symptoms of nausea and he... Read more
E/M Not Mandatory While Reporting 96372
Question: Our internist recently diagnosed a patient with symptoms of nausea and he... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report Critical Care Codes Based on Criticality,Not Just Location
Question: Please do let me know if we can use critical care codes 99291-99292 in a physi... Read more
Report Critical Care Codes Based on Criticality,Not Just Location
Question: Please do let me know if we can use critical care codes 99291-99292 in a physi... Read more
CPT® Coding Strategies:
Injection Coding Techniques: Follow These 3 Simple Steps
Don’t forget to identify scenarios that can be reported with separate E/M codes. ... Read more
Injection Coding Techniques: Follow These 3 Simple Steps
Don’t forget to identify scenarios that can be reported with separate E/M codes. ... Read more
Signature Requirement:
Signature Requirements, Acceptable and Unacceptable Practices
Analyze CMS’s requirements or you risk the wrong use of signatures. If you are n... Read more
Signature Requirements, Acceptable and Unacceptable Practices
Analyze CMS’s requirements or you risk the wrong use of signatures. If you are n... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Simplified Coding of Sleep Apnea With G47.30
Hint: Report other associated sleep conditions with additional ICD-10 codes. When your... Read more
Simplified Coding of Sleep Apnea With G47.30
Hint: Report other associated sleep conditions with additional ICD-10 codes. When your... Read more
Reader Question:
Do Not Report E/M Codes With Every Flu Vaccination Service
Question: If I am billing out a flu vaccination for a Medicare patient, what codes ... Read more
Do Not Report E/M Codes With Every Flu Vaccination Service
Question: If I am billing out a flu vaccination for a Medicare patient, what codes ... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Physician Reimbursement Using RVUs
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the app... Read more
Determine Physician Reimbursement Using RVUs
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the app... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Well Child Visit Coding: Age and Patient Status
Question: I can’t seem to find the code for a healthy/well child, first initi... Read more
Well Child Visit Coding: Age and Patient Status
Question: I can’t seem to find the code for a healthy/well child, first initi... Read more
HCPCS Coding:
Substance Abuse and Behavior Counseling: Key to G0442, G0443 Successful Coding
Watch CCI when reporting other assessment or E/M codes in the same session. When your ... Read more
Substance Abuse and Behavior Counseling: Key to G0442, G0443 Successful Coding
Watch CCI when reporting other assessment or E/M codes in the same session. When your ... Read more
Outpatient E/M:
Coding 99211: Learn Regulations or Risk Losing $20 Per Encounter
Turn thorough documentation into successful claims. If you are automatically reaching ... Read more
Coding 99211: Learn Regulations or Risk Losing $20 Per Encounter
Turn thorough documentation into successful claims. If you are automatically reaching ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Code Child Health Exams With Z00.121 and Z00.129
Splitting V20.2 in two allows with and without abnormal findings. When ICD-9 is replac... Read more
Code Child Health Exams With Z00.121 and Z00.129
Splitting V20.2 in two allows with and without abnormal findings. When ICD-9 is replac... Read more
Reader Question:
Clear Documentation For Preventive Medicine Services
Question: The CPT® description of initial and periodic comprehensive preventive... Read more
Clear Documentation For Preventive Medicine Services
Question: The CPT® description of initial and periodic comprehensive preventive... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Reporting E/M Service Codes Regularly With Surgery
Question: A patient came into the office to see our internist to receive a knee inj... Read more
Avoid Reporting E/M Service Codes Regularly With Surgery
Question: A patient came into the office to see our internist to receive a knee inj... Read more
Reader Question:
Learn The Method to Determine Reimbursement Using RVUs
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the app... Read more
Learn The Method to Determine Reimbursement Using RVUs
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the app... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Refer to Global Period For Status Post Abortion Cases
Question: One of our physicians recently saw a patient who had had an abortion. Wha... Read more
Refer to Global Period For Status Post Abortion Cases
Question: One of our physicians recently saw a patient who had had an abortion. Wha... Read more
Immunotherapy:
Check CCI When Reporting E/M Codes with Allergy Immunotherapy
You will also face new edits when reporting allergy testing codes with E/M services. I... Read more
Check CCI When Reporting E/M Codes with Allergy Immunotherapy
You will also face new edits when reporting allergy testing codes with E/M services. I... Read more
News You Can Use:
Congress Votes to Halt Your Pay Cuts and Delay ICD-10
Physician associations still plan to pursue a permanent SGR formula revision. The enti... Read more
Congress Votes to Halt Your Pay Cuts and Delay ICD-10
Physician associations still plan to pursue a permanent SGR formula revision. The enti... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Get Ready For Specific Reporting Options For Influenza With J10 and J11
Hint: Use manifestations in documentation to arrive at the apt diagnosis code. When yo... Read more
Get Ready For Specific Reporting Options For Influenza With J10 and J11
Hint: Use manifestations in documentation to arrive at the apt diagnosis code. When yo... Read more
Bone Up on Influenza Types
You need to know the different types of influenza viruses, as the identification of the ... Read more
You need to know the different types of influenza viruses, as the identification of the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Appropriate Use of Modifiers For Multiple Units of 20610
Question: One of our physicians administered Kenalog into right knee, left knee & ri... Read more
Appropriate Use of Modifiers For Multiple Units of 20610
Question: One of our physicians administered Kenalog into right knee, left knee & ri... Read more
Reader Question:
Refer to Global Period For Status Post Abortion Cases
Question: One of our physicians recently saw a patient who had had an abortion. What dia... Read more
Refer to Global Period For Status Post Abortion Cases
Question: One of our physicians recently saw a patient who had had an abortion. What dia... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tactful Coding When Reporting E/M Service With AWV Codes
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently performed an evaluation and manageme... Read more
Tactful Coding When Reporting E/M Service With AWV Codes
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently performed an evaluation and manageme... Read more
CPT® Coding Strategies:
Type of Skin Lesions To Decide Your Code Choice For Destruction
Hint: Not all CPT® codes for destruction are add-on codes. When your internist per... Read more
Type of Skin Lesions To Decide Your Code Choice For Destruction
Hint: Not all CPT® codes for destruction are add-on codes. When your internist per... Read more
ICD-10 Transition:
Help Yourself With A Smooth Transition From ICD-9-CM to ICD-10
Get up-to-date expert tips from NGS to guide you. Entering into the new realm of submi... Read more
Help Yourself With A Smooth Transition From ICD-9-CM to ICD-10
Get up-to-date expert tips from NGS to guide you. Entering into the new realm of submi... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Get Ready For a Straight Forward Crosswalk For Major Depressive Disorder
Hint: Identify psychotic symptoms in severe type of MDD. When your physician’s d... Read more
Get Ready For a Straight Forward Crosswalk For Major Depressive Disorder
Hint: Identify psychotic symptoms in severe type of MDD. When your physician’s d... Read more
Reader Question:
Diabetes Education Reporting Depends on Provider and Number of Patients
Question: We have a RN who wants to provide a diabetic education class in a group ... Read more
Diabetes Education Reporting Depends on Provider and Number of Patients
Question: We have a RN who wants to provide a diabetic education class in a group ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting E/M With Flu Vaccine Administration
Question: I have been reporting flu vaccine with E/M visits and other in-office pro... Read more
Reporting E/M With Flu Vaccine Administration
Question: I have been reporting flu vaccine with E/M visits and other in-office pro... Read more
Nail Care Coding:
Nail Care Coding Made Easy With This Expert Advice
Use modifiers and appropriate diagnosis codes to prevent denial. While routine nail ca... Read more
Nail Care Coding Made Easy With This Expert Advice
Use modifiers and appropriate diagnosis codes to prevent denial. While routine nail ca... Read more
Part B Payment:
Lookout For a Permanent Fix to Medicare Payment System
Congress gets busy contemplating means to eliminate SGR. In addition to the good news ... Read more
Lookout For a Permanent Fix to Medicare Payment System
Congress gets busy contemplating means to eliminate SGR. In addition to the good news ... Read more
Payment collection:
Medicare Payment Collections: An In-Depth Learning
Keep yourself up-to-date about what regulations will impact your bottom line in 2014. ... Read more
Medicare Payment Collections: An In-Depth Learning
Keep yourself up-to-date about what regulations will impact your bottom line in 2014. ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Acute Laryngitis: More Than One Option In The Foray
Don’t forget to take into account the number of conditions the code will represent... Read more
Acute Laryngitis: More Than One Option In The Foray
Don’t forget to take into account the number of conditions the code will represent... Read more
Reader Question:
Count Brief History as Part of Vaccine Admin Codes
Question: Our physician recently saw a 27-year-old patient who presented to our int... Read more
Count Brief History as Part of Vaccine Admin Codes
Question: Our physician recently saw a 27-year-old patient who presented to our int... Read more
Reader Question:
Initial AWV Coding for New Provider Might Be Wrong
Question: I am new to internal medicine coding. Our clinician recently performed an... Read more
Initial AWV Coding for New Provider Might Be Wrong
Question: I am new to internal medicine coding. Our clinician recently performed an... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Watch Number of Injections When Reporting Allergy Shots
Question: If our physician provided allergy shots, what is the correct way to repor... Read more
Watch Number of Injections When Reporting Allergy Shots
Question: If our physician provided allergy shots, what is the correct way to repor... Read more
CCI 20.0:
Learn CCI 20.0 Edits Before Reporting TCM or Influenza Vaccine Codes
CCI also concentrates on newly introduced interprofessional consultation codes. While ... Read more
Learn CCI 20.0 Edits Before Reporting TCM or Influenza Vaccine Codes
CCI also concentrates on newly introduced interprofessional consultation codes. While ... Read more
E/M:
History: Accurate History Documentation Holds Key In Perfect E/M Billing
Beware of counting elements in more than one place. When your internist is recording a... Read more
History: Accurate History Documentation Holds Key In Perfect E/M Billing
Beware of counting elements in more than one place. When your internist is recording a... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
ADHD: Identify Type to Report More Specifically With F90
Combined type can now be separately reported from predominantly hyperactive types. If ... Read more
ADHD: Identify Type to Report More Specifically With F90
Combined type can now be separately reported from predominantly hyperactive types. If ... Read more
Gear Up on ADD/ADHD Types
Since the type of ADD/ ADHD plays a vital role in selecting an accurate diagnosis using ... Read more
Since the type of ADD/ ADHD plays a vital role in selecting an accurate diagnosis using ... Read more
Reader Question:
Site of Injection Administration Important When Reporting 20550
Question: When reporting CPT® 20550, should I report the code with bilateral modifie... Read more
Site of Injection Administration Important When Reporting 20550
Question: When reporting CPT® 20550, should I report the code with bilateral modifie... Read more
Reader Question:
Definition Of Global Package
Question: The CPT® surgery guidelines state that the surgical package includes &ldqu... Read more
Definition Of Global Package
Question: The CPT® surgery guidelines state that the surgical package includes &ldqu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report Additional Services Separately With AWV
Question: For codes G0402, G0438, & G0439 when a female patient comes in for any one... Read more
Report Additional Services Separately With AWV
Question: For codes G0402, G0438, & G0439 when a female patient comes in for any one... Read more
CPT® Coding Strategies:
Report Vaccine Administration Scenarios With Success
Hint: Use modifier when reporting significant and separately identifiable E/M service. ... Read more
Report Vaccine Administration Scenarios With Success
Hint: Use modifier when reporting significant and separately identifiable E/M service. ... Read more
Compliance:
Stay Away From RAC Audits By Avoiding These Common E/M Errors
Hint: Look for clues in documentation to catch the appropriate code choice. If you do ... Read more
Stay Away From RAC Audits By Avoiding These Common E/M Errors
Hint: Look for clues in documentation to catch the appropriate code choice. If you do ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: J01.0 Expands To Provide Better Specificity
Hint: Follow similar list of inclusions and exclusions for both ICD-9 & ICD-10. Wh... Read more
Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: J01.0 Expands To Provide Better Specificity
Hint: Follow similar list of inclusions and exclusions for both ICD-9 & ICD-10. Wh... Read more
Reader Question:
Furnish Entire Address in Block 32 of HCFA
Question: If you are billing home visits, 99341-99350, the place of service is 12. My qu... Read more
Furnish Entire Address in Block 32 of HCFA
Question: If you are billing home visits, 99341-99350, the place of service is 12. My qu... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Use Modifiers for Unbundled CPT® Codes
Question: If I cannot find my two code pairs in the CCI edits, how do I know which code ... Read more
Know When to Use Modifiers for Unbundled CPT® Codes
Question: If I cannot find my two code pairs in the CCI edits, how do I know which code ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code 15851 Needs Anesthesia Service
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently performed removal of sutures in the ... Read more
Code 15851 Needs Anesthesia Service
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently performed removal of sutures in the ... Read more