Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Medication Focus:
Yes, You Can Collect for Apokyn-Related Services
Boost your E/M -- and reimbursement -- with stellar documentation The Food and Drug Ad... Read more
Yes, You Can Collect for Apokyn-Related Services
Boost your E/M -- and reimbursement -- with stellar documentation The Food and Drug Ad... Read more
HPI Hint:
Get Others Involved to Deliver Great Documentation
Follow our 6 easy steps to catch details and clean up your claims Helping your neuro... Read more
Get Others Involved to Deliver Great Documentation
Follow our 6 easy steps to catch details and clean up your claims Helping your neuro... Read more
Smoother Processing:
Defeat Denials by Conquering Your Top-10 Issues
Check our list to see if any problem spots look familiar If you-ve compiled a list o... Read more
Defeat Denials by Conquering Your Top-10 Issues
Check our list to see if any problem spots look familiar If you-ve compiled a list o... Read more
Reader Question:
Test Administrator Is Key to 96118, 96119
Question: What rules apply to billing 96118 and 96119? I haven't found many details from... Read more
Test Administrator Is Key to 96118, 96119
Question: What rules apply to billing 96118 and 96119? I haven't found many details from... Read more
Reader Question:
Longer-Term Epilepsy Monitoring
Question: What is the most accurate diagnosis for epilepsy monitoring that lasts 13 hour... Read more
Longer-Term Epilepsy Monitoring
Question: What is the most accurate diagnosis for epilepsy monitoring that lasts 13 hour... Read more
Reader Question:
Deciding Billing Date for Split-Day Services
Question: Mrs. Jones came to our office for cognitive tests (96118), and our physician p... Read more
Deciding Billing Date for Split-Day Services
Question: Mrs. Jones came to our office for cognitive tests (96118), and our physician p... Read more
Reader Question:
Confirm Documentation for Cognitive Deficits
Question: Which diagnosis code should we report when a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caus... Read more
Confirm Documentation for Cognitive Deficits
Question: Which diagnosis code should we report when a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caus... Read more
Reader Question:
Follow Appendix J to Foolproof Counting
Question: How should I report a nerve conduction study on the median and ulnar nerves? ... Read more
Follow Appendix J to Foolproof Counting
Question: How should I report a nerve conduction study on the median and ulnar nerves? ... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill Brain Tumor Surgery Testing With 95920
Question: A neurosurgeon requested that our neurologist provide continuous neurological ... Read more
Bill Brain Tumor Surgery Testing With 95920
Question: A neurosurgeon requested that our neurologist provide continuous neurological ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Deciding on Dementia Diagnosis
Question: What diagnosis codes should we submit for dementia? New Mexico Subscriber ... Read more
Deciding on Dementia Diagnosis
Question: What diagnosis codes should we submit for dementia? New Mexico Subscriber ... Read more
Back to Basics:
Make Sleep Study/Polysomnography Coding as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Stick with attended studies to ensure payment If you-re reporting polysomnography (9580... Read more
Make Sleep Study/Polysomnography Coding as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Stick with attended studies to ensure payment If you-re reporting polysomnography (9580... Read more
Documentation Details:
Watch These Areas to Ease Facet Joint Injection Claims
Count levels treated, not injections, for 64470-64476 Coding for facet injections is... Read more
Watch These Areas to Ease Facet Joint Injection Claims
Count levels treated, not injections, for 64470-64476 Coding for facet injections is... Read more
Compliance Corner:
Discover Whether You Can Capitalize on NPI Extension
CMS admits defeat, promises progress on NPI sharing Good news: You-ll have an extra ... Read more
Discover Whether You Can Capitalize on NPI Extension
CMS admits defeat, promises progress on NPI sharing Good news: You-ll have an extra ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to Spinal Tap for Lumbar Drain
Question: I can't find a code in CPT to describe placement of a lumbar drain. Should I u... Read more
Look to Spinal Tap for Lumbar Drain
Question: I can't find a code in CPT to describe placement of a lumbar drain. Should I u... Read more
Reader Question:
Carrier Dictates 1 Service vs. Modifier 59
Question: Our physician often completes cognitive testing and EEGs on one day for a pati... Read more
Carrier Dictates 1 Service vs. Modifier 59
Question: Our physician often completes cognitive testing and EEGs on one day for a pati... Read more
Reader Question:
Fewer Options for VNS Test Only
Question: What code should I report for vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) testing only? Colo... Read more
Fewer Options for VNS Test Only
Question: What code should I report for vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) testing only? Colo... Read more
Reader Question:
433.10 Can Correlate to 93880
Question: Is 433.10 a deleted code for procedure 93880? Florida Subscriber Answer: ... Read more
433.10 Can Correlate to 93880
Question: Is 433.10 a deleted code for procedure 93880? Florida Subscriber Answer: ... Read more
Reader Question:
SMP Equals Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Question: What diagnosis applies to sympathetically maintained pain? Is it the same as R... Read more
SMP Equals Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Question: What diagnosis applies to sympathetically maintained pain? Is it the same as R... Read more
Reader Question:
Code 96116 for Neuro Status Exam -- Maybe
Question: Does a neurobehavioral status exam fall under E/M service, or can we code it i... Read more
Code 96116 for Neuro Status Exam -- Maybe
Question: Does a neurobehavioral status exam fall under E/M service, or can we code it i... Read more
Reader Question:
Zoom in on Supervision Requirements
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as it was within his... Read more
Zoom in on Supervision Requirements
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as it was within his... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Billing TC and 26 With Codes
Question: For accounting purposes, we need to bill the professional and technical compon... Read more
Billing TC and 26 With Codes
Question: For accounting purposes, we need to bill the professional and technical compon... Read more
ICD-9 Tips:
3 Strategies Help You Pinpoint the Right Diagnosis Codes
Signs and symptoms may sometimes be your best -- or only -- choice Choosing the right... Read more
3 Strategies Help You Pinpoint the Right Diagnosis Codes
Signs and symptoms may sometimes be your best -- or only -- choice Choosing the right... Read more
Modifier Magic:
Learn the Cure for Modifier 52 and 53 Headaches
Documentation paves the way for discontinued, reduced procedure success An incomplet... Read more
Learn the Cure for Modifier 52 and 53 Headaches
Documentation paves the way for discontinued, reduced procedure success An incomplet... Read more
Coding Update:
ICD-9 Changes Are Coming
The latest ICD-9 changes go into effect Oct. 1, 2007, so it pays to be up to speed on new,... Read more
ICD-9 Changes Are Coming
The latest ICD-9 changes go into effect Oct. 1, 2007, so it pays to be up to speed on new,... Read more
Collections Corner:
Provide Collection Agencies With Enough Info to Do the Job
The more details you provide, the more they-ll help you Using an outside collection ... Read more
Provide Collection Agencies With Enough Info to Do the Job
The more details you provide, the more they-ll help you Using an outside collection ... Read more
Reader Questions:
333.1 Is Best Diagnosis for Rubral Tremor
Question: Which diagnosis should I report for a rubral tremor? New Mexico Subscriber ... Read more
333.1 Is Best Diagnosis for Rubral Tremor
Question: Which diagnosis should I report for a rubral tremor? New Mexico Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Coordinating Consult Coding
Question: One of our physicians conducted a consult on a brain-dead patient at the reque... Read more
Coordinating Consult Coding
Question: One of our physicians conducted a consult on a brain-dead patient at the reque... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reporting Time Associated With Counseling
Question: When we bill procedures based on time, must we list the exact time spent couns... Read more
Reporting Time Associated With Counseling
Question: When we bill procedures based on time, must we list the exact time spent couns... Read more
Reader Questions:
Specify Nerves Before 'Bulleting' Them
Question: I need clarification regarding the 1997 E/M guidelines. When our neurologist d... Read more
Specify Nerves Before 'Bulleting' Them
Question: I need clarification regarding the 1997 E/M guidelines. When our neurologist d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bilateral H-Reflex Depends on Carrier
Question: What is the correct way to report a bilateral H-reflex study of the gastrocnem... Read more
Bilateral H-Reflex Depends on Carrier
Question: What is the correct way to report a bilateral H-reflex study of the gastrocnem... Read more
Reader Questions:
Sodium Bicarbonate Might Not Be Worth Coding
Question: Our provider sometimes administers sodium bicarbonate to help lessen the pain ... Read more
Sodium Bicarbonate Might Not Be Worth Coding
Question: Our provider sometimes administers sodium bicarbonate to help lessen the pain ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Try to Interchange 354.0 and 354.1
Question: What's the difference between 354.0 and 354.1? Carriers seem more likely to re... Read more
Don't Try to Interchange 354.0 and 354.1
Question: What's the difference between 354.0 and 354.1? Carriers seem more likely to re... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ulnar Nerve Inching Doesn't Equal Extra Dollars
Question: Can we receive separate reimbursement for ulnar nerve inching? Our physicians ... Read more
Ulnar Nerve Inching Doesn't Equal Extra Dollars
Question: Can we receive separate reimbursement for ulnar nerve inching? Our physicians ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Differences Between 95816 and 95819
Question: Why does 95816 have a 5.34 relative value and 95819 have 5.00? Is there more w... Read more
Differences Between 95816 and 95819
Question: Why does 95816 have a 5.34 relative value and 95819 have 5.00? Is there more w... Read more
Documentation Details:
You can request consults from same-group colleagues, but watch frequency
You may have spotless documentation for your consults (99241-99255), but you could still l... Read more
You can request consults from same-group colleagues, but watch frequency
You may have spotless documentation for your consults (99241-99255), but you could still l... Read more
Carrier Bulletin:
Medicare Changes Its Policy for Reporting Drug Wastage
Update clarifies Medicare's stance In a policy revision effective July 1, Medicare a... Read more
Medicare Changes Its Policy for Reporting Drug Wastage
Update clarifies Medicare's stance In a policy revision effective July 1, Medicare a... Read more
Modifier Musts:
Is E/M 'Separate' or 'Inherent'? Find Out Before Filing With 25
Remember, not all preprocedure services constitute a separate E/M If your neurologist... Read more
Is E/M 'Separate' or 'Inherent'? Find Out Before Filing With 25
Remember, not all preprocedure services constitute a separate E/M If your neurologist... Read more
Compliance Checkpoint:
Add This Checklist to Your HIPAA Toolkit to Boost
Watching details helps you watch your leak-prone spots The scenario: A patient in yo... Read more
Add This Checklist to Your HIPAA Toolkit to Boost
Watching details helps you watch your leak-prone spots The scenario: A patient in yo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Single Code Covers Test and Follow-up Visit
Question: Our neurologist routinely orders tests for a patient (such as a memory scales ... Read more
Single Code Covers Test and Follow-up Visit
Question: Our neurologist routinely orders tests for a patient (such as a memory scales ... Read more
Reader Questions:
E/M Work Units Should Include Prescription Writing
Question: I heard that there's a code we can bill (and be paid for) to indicate when our... Read more
E/M Work Units Should Include Prescription Writing
Question: I heard that there's a code we can bill (and be paid for) to indicate when our... Read more
Reader Questions:
Call on up to 8 ICD-9 Codes, When Necessary
Question: I was recently told that we can use no more than four diagnosis codes on an in... Read more
Call on up to 8 ICD-9 Codes, When Necessary
Question: I was recently told that we can use no more than four diagnosis codes on an in... Read more
Reader Questions:
1 Element Can Count Twice for E/M Status
Question: When coding E/M services, can we count the same element twice, for instance, a... Read more
1 Element Can Count Twice for E/M Status
Question: When coding E/M services, can we count the same element twice, for instance, a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Patient Status Before Choosing
Question: One of our established Medicare patients is a resident at an assisted living f... Read more
Distinguish Patient Status Before Choosing
Question: One of our established Medicare patients is a resident at an assisted living f... Read more
You Be the Coder - Zoom In on Supervision Requirements
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as it was within his... Read more
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as it was within his... Read more
Documentation Details ~ Follow 4 Rules for Billing Multiple Nerve Conduction Studies
Simplify your NCS claims with this advice from the experts Multiple nerve conduction stu... Read more
Simplify your NCS claims with this advice from the experts Multiple nerve conduction stu... Read more
Procedure Focus ~ Third Occipital Nerve Injections Shouldn't Give You a Headache
Hint: Home in on individual procedure steps to narrow options With three occipital nerve... Read more
Hint: Home in on individual procedure steps to narrow options With three occipital nerve... Read more
Reader Question ~ Divide to Conquer Prolonged Inpatient Service
Question: Medicare denies our claims for prolonged inpatient hospital services. We report ... Read more
Question: Medicare denies our claims for prolonged inpatient hospital services. We report ... Read more
Reader Question ~ Follow-up Versus Discharge Depends on Timing
Question: When our physician discharges a patient, should we bill a hospital follow-up vis... Read more
Question: When our physician discharges a patient, should we bill a hospital follow-up vis... Read more
Reader Question ~ 24-Hour EEG Applies to Test Time, Not Calendar
Question: One of our neurologists performs overnight electroencephalograms (EEGs) in the h... Read more
Question: One of our neurologists performs overnight electroencephalograms (EEGs) in the h... Read more
Reader Question ~ Watch Specific Guidelines Before Reporting 96116
Question: What guidelines apply to reporting 96116 with other tests? Oregon Subscriber An... Read more
Question: What guidelines apply to reporting 96116 with other tests? Oregon Subscriber An... Read more
Reader Question ~ Check Documentation Before Appealing NCS
Question: We receive denials for 95900 whether we report it with or without modifier 59. W... Read more
Question: We receive denials for 95900 whether we report it with or without modifier 59. W... Read more
Reader Question ~ Extremities Drive Paraspinal Injection Coding
Question: Our neurologist performed a paraspinal thoracic electromyogram (EMG). He uses ne... Read more
Question: Our neurologist performed a paraspinal thoracic electromyogram (EMG). He uses ne... Read more
Reader Question ~ Carriers Might Balk at Multiple Units of 77002
Question: When we perform multiple injections at the same time, can we report 77002 more t... Read more
Question: When we perform multiple injections at the same time, can we report 77002 more t... Read more
Reader Question ~ Report X-Ray Code if Mini C-Arm Stores Images
Question: Our clinic purchased a mini c-arm, and it is the only x-ray unit in the building... Read more
Question: Our clinic purchased a mini c-arm, and it is the only x-ray unit in the building... Read more
You Be the Coder ~ Coding Observation in Non-Observation Unit
Question: Our physician performed an observation service on a patient who was not in the h... Read more
Question: Our physician performed an observation service on a patient who was not in the h... Read more
E/M Focus:
Migraine Coding Doesn't Have to Give You a Headache
Remember service -- not diagnosis -- drives coding You can report an E/M visit when your... Read more
Migraine Coding Doesn't Have to Give You a Headache
Remember service -- not diagnosis -- drives coding You can report an E/M visit when your... Read more
Terminology Check:
All Migraines Are Not the Same
Intractable vs. non-intractable can set your reimbursement success Before coding for... Read more
All Migraines Are Not the Same
Intractable vs. non-intractable can set your reimbursement success Before coding for... Read more
Documentation Payoff:
Know When You Cross From Routine to Long-Term EEG
Follow our experts- advice on which is which -- and how you code them Performing electro... Read more
Know When You Cross From Routine to Long-Term EEG
Follow our experts- advice on which is which -- and how you code them Performing electro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider These Factors for Nerve Block With Botox
Question: How should I code nerve blocks to the median, ulnar, radial sensory, posterior t... Read more
Consider These Factors for Nerve Block With Botox
Question: How should I code nerve blocks to the median, ulnar, radial sensory, posterior t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Bilateral Modifiers With 64613
Question: My physician injected five muscles on both sides of the patient's neck, all bila... Read more
Avoid Bilateral Modifiers With 64613
Question: My physician injected five muscles on both sides of the patient's neck, all bila... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Documentation for Prolonged Services
Question: Can I report 99354 for prolonged services in an inpatient setting? Kansas Subscr... Read more
Watch Documentation for Prolonged Services
Question: Can I report 99354 for prolonged services in an inpatient setting? Kansas Subscr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Observation Coding Depends on Circumstances
Question: When might our neurologist need to report observation care?New Hampshire Subscri... Read more
Observation Coding Depends on Circumstances
Question: When might our neurologist need to report observation care?New Hampshire Subscri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Neoplasm Details to Code Orbital Tumor
Question: What diagnosis should I code for an orbital tumor?Oregon Subscriber Answer: The... Read more
Get Neoplasm Details to Code Orbital Tumor
Question: What diagnosis should I code for an orbital tumor?Oregon Subscriber Answer: The... Read more
Reader Questions:
File 'Unlisted' for Extremity Chemodenervation
Question: Can we bill more than one unit for chemodenervation of the eccrine glands (other... Read more
File 'Unlisted' for Extremity Chemodenervation
Question: Can we bill more than one unit for chemodenervation of the eccrine glands (other... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Automatic Resends of Denials
Question: When we know that the carrier has made a mistake in denying a claim, can we simp... Read more
Avoid Automatic Resends of Denials
Question: When we know that the carrier has made a mistake in denying a claim, can we simp... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on Machine Printouts for Backup Documentation
Question: What documentation should I use to support the codes and quantity I bill for our... Read more
Rely on Machine Printouts for Backup Documentation
Question: What documentation should I use to support the codes and quantity I bill for our... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diagnoses That Support CADASIL
Question: What diagnosis codes apply to CADASIL? Iowa SubscriberAnswer: CADASIL is an acro... Read more
Diagnoses That Support CADASIL
Question: What diagnosis codes apply to CADASIL? Iowa SubscriberAnswer: CADASIL is an acro... Read more
NCCI Update:
Pay Attention to Your EMG Claims …quot; or Pay the Price
How you report EMG and sleep studies makes all the difference The latest National Correct... Read more
Pay Attention to Your EMG Claims …quot; or Pay the Price
How you report EMG and sleep studies makes all the difference The latest National Correct... Read more
CEU Clue-in:
Meet CEU Goals Using News You Already Receive
Bonus: This summary can put you 1 CEU closer to reaching requirements If you-re a Certifi... Read more
Meet CEU Goals Using News You Already Receive
Bonus: This summary can put you 1 CEU closer to reaching requirements If you-re a Certifi... Read more
Up-Front Documentation:
Distinguish Between ABNs and NEMBs to File Claims Correctly
Follow these steps to use the right form every time Ideally, Medicare reimburses your neu... Read more
Distinguish Between ABNs and NEMBs to File Claims Correctly
Follow these steps to use the right form every time Ideally, Medicare reimburses your neu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit Multiple Diagnoses for Neurosarcoidosis
Question: What is the best diagnosis for neurosarcoidosis?Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Su... Read more
Submit Multiple Diagnoses for Neurosarcoidosis
Question: What is the best diagnosis for neurosarcoidosis?Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Su... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 850 Family for Traumatic Brain Injury
Question: What diagnosis should we use for traumatic brain injury? Is -concussion with los... Read more
Look to 850 Family for Traumatic Brain Injury
Question: What diagnosis should we use for traumatic brain injury? Is -concussion with los... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on Epidural Codes for Baclofen Injection
Question: How should I report an intrathecal Baclofen injection our neurologist administer... Read more
Rely on Epidural Codes for Baclofen Injection
Question: How should I report an intrathecal Baclofen injection our neurologist administer... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow Guides for E/M With Health Assessments
Question: Our clinical social worker performs services (under physician supervision) that ... Read more
Follow Guides for E/M With Health Assessments
Question: Our clinical social worker performs services (under physician supervision) that ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Go With 95816 for 'Awake' EEG
Question: How should we code an electroencephalogram (EEG) for a patient who remains awake... Read more
Go With 95816 for 'Awake' EEG
Question: How should we code an electroencephalogram (EEG) for a patient who remains awake... Read more
Reader Questions:
Established Patient Still Counts as Consult in ED
Question: If another physician calls our surgeon to the emergency department (ED) for a co... Read more
Established Patient Still Counts as Consult in ED
Question: If another physician calls our surgeon to the emergency department (ED) for a co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Critical Care as Stand-Alone Service
Question: Should I report critical care codes and the appropriate modifier if my neurologi... Read more
Report Critical Care as Stand-Alone Service
Question: Should I report critical care codes and the appropriate modifier if my neurologi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Conquer WC Denials With Separate Notes
Question: We have a patient who comes in for one diagnosis for his workers- comp coverage.... Read more
Conquer WC Denials With Separate Notes
Question: We have a patient who comes in for one diagnosis for his workers- comp coverage.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Does Staff Have Same PHI Rules as Patients?
Question: How should a medical facility handle employees- access to their own medical reco... Read more
Does Staff Have Same PHI Rules as Patients?
Question: How should a medical facility handle employees- access to their own medical reco... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nerve Block With Botox
Question: How should I code nerve blocks to the median, ulnar, radial sensory, posterior t... Read more
Nerve Block With Botox
Question: How should I code nerve blocks to the median, ulnar, radial sensory, posterior t... Read more
Details Count:
Save yourself time and trouble by using ABNs correctly
Know when and how to rely on this tool -- but don't expect to always get paid When your... Read more
Save yourself time and trouble by using ABNs correctly
Know when and how to rely on this tool -- but don't expect to always get paid When your... Read more
Test Yourself:
Challenge your ABN knowledge
Be alert for situations requiring ABNs -- and when they-re not needed Sometimes you nee... Read more
Challenge your ABN knowledge
Be alert for situations requiring ABNs -- and when they-re not needed Sometimes you nee... Read more
Muscles Matter:
3 ways to make the most of injection claims
Train your MD to clearly document the muscles -- so you can code correctly You may be ... Read more
3 ways to make the most of injection claims
Train your MD to clearly document the muscles -- so you can code correctly You may be ... Read more
Reader Question:
Schedules, calendars support incident-to claims
Question: What evidence or documentation do we need to prove the supervising physician w... Read more
Schedules, calendars support incident-to claims
Question: What evidence or documentation do we need to prove the supervising physician w... Read more
Reader Question:
Use surgery diagnosis for intraoperative EMG
Question: My neurologist goes into the operating room to monitor a patient's nerves duri... Read more
Use surgery diagnosis for intraoperative EMG
Question: My neurologist goes into the operating room to monitor a patient's nerves duri... Read more
Reader Question:
1 code is the key to aphasia assessment
Question: How can we report time the neurologist spends assessing for aphasia (784.3)? ... Read more
1 code is the key to aphasia assessment
Question: How can we report time the neurologist spends assessing for aphasia (784.3)? ... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 70555 -- not 70554 -- with 96020
Question: Should I report 70554 or 70555 when a physician selects and interprets functio... Read more
Report 70555 -- not 70554 -- with 96020
Question: Should I report 70554 or 70555 when a physician selects and interprets functio... Read more
Reader Question:
Prolonged service doesn't always mean -21
Question: Medicare denied an office visit coded as 99213, plus 99354-21 because of how m... Read more
Prolonged service doesn't always mean -21
Question: Medicare denied an office visit coded as 99213, plus 99354-21 because of how m... Read more
Reader Question:
Combine HCPCS and CPT for motorized wheelchair
Question: What CPT code should I report when our neurologist completes the paperwork for... Read more
Combine HCPCS and CPT for motorized wheelchair
Question: What CPT code should I report when our neurologist completes the paperwork for... Read more
You be the coder:
Do You Need a Referral for a Sleep Study?
Question: Our neurologist saw a patient in our sleep center. The patient does not have a... Read more
Do You Need a Referral for a Sleep Study?
Question: Our neurologist saw a patient in our sleep center. The patient does not have a... Read more
NEW CODE KNOW-HOW ~ Plan Your Strategy for Reporting Functional Brain Mapping
Knowing what the code includes -- and doesn-t -- makes a difference CPT's new c... Read more
Knowing what the code includes -- and doesn-t -- makes a difference CPT's new c... Read more
DIAGNOSIS CODING ~ Follow 2 FAQs -- With Expert Answers -- to Find the Best Dx
Don't limit yourself to one ICD-9 code, because it could be the wrong one If you don't kn... Read more
Don't limit yourself to one ICD-9 code, because it could be the wrong one If you don't kn... Read more
DOCUMENTATION CORNER ~ Switching to EHR? Weigh These Pros and Cons First
Caution: You might not be able to track who makes changes With new technology emerging al... Read more
Caution: You might not be able to track who makes changes With new technology emerging al... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Details Dictate 'New Onset Seizure' Diagnosis
Question: How should I code -new onset seizure-? According to the discharge summary, the p... Read more
Question: How should I code -new onset seizure-? According to the discharge summary, the p... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Don't Fret Over 26 and TC on the Same Claim
Question: Our state Medicaid carrier mandates that we bill duplicate charges, such as repo... Read more
Question: Our state Medicaid carrier mandates that we bill duplicate charges, such as repo... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Remember Carrier Guidelines for Memory Loss
Question: My neuropsychologist says we should code memory loss as 310.1 for Medicare patie... Read more
Question: My neuropsychologist says we should code memory loss as 310.1 for Medicare patie... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Talk Through 'Cognitive Deficits' Diagnosis
Question: Our neurologist is treating a patient for seizures that he considers -cognitive ... Read more
Question: Our neurologist is treating a patient for seizures that he considers -cognitive ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Don't Sweat Hyperhidrosis Diagnosis
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis? Wisconsin Subscriber ... Read more
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis? Wisconsin Subscriber ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Narrow Your Options for Post-Traumatic Headache
Question: What are the best diagnosis codes for an acute post-traumatic headache and a chr... Read more
Question: What are the best diagnosis codes for an acute post-traumatic headache and a chr... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ 'Per Day' Refers to Calendar Days, Not Times
Question: A patient of ours was involved in an accident and came to our office for an E/M ... Read more
Question: A patient of ours was involved in an accident and came to our office for an E/M ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Untangle Incident-to and TP Indicators
Question: How should I code incident-to when our physician is in the office? What modifier... Read more
Question: How should I code incident-to when our physician is in the office? What modifier... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Bill Secondary for Patients With Part A Only
Question: Our physician saw a patient in the hospital. The patient had Medicare Part A cov... Read more
Question: Our physician saw a patient in the hospital. The patient had Medicare Part A cov... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ Reporting Multiple Wakefulness Test
Question: How should I code a multiple wakefulness test? Arizona SubscriberAnswer: Physici... Read more
Question: How should I code a multiple wakefulness test? Arizona SubscriberAnswer: Physici... Read more
CONDITION FOCUS, PART 2 ~ Know Your Treatment Block Choices for Diabetic Neuropathy
Hint: Coding depends on the block's purpose When your neurologist treats diabetic neurop... Read more
Hint: Coding depends on the block's purpose When your neurologist treats diabetic neurop... Read more
COMPLIANCE CHECKPOINT ~ Acquire NPIs for Your Group -- Before It's Too Late
National Provider Identifiers kick in this spring The clock is counting down to HIPAA's ... Read more
National Provider Identifiers kick in this spring The clock is counting down to HIPAA's ... Read more
E/M CODING ~ Achieve the Correct HPI Level Every Time
Watch these 8 areas to help paint a clear picture of the situation Understanding each pat... Read more
Watch these 8 areas to help paint a clear picture of the situation Understanding each pat... Read more
ERADER QUESTION ~ Specific Codes Are Best Bet for Myofascial Pain
Question: What diagnosis should I use for myofascial pain or myofascial discomfort? South ... Read more
Question: What diagnosis should I use for myofascial pain or myofascial discomfort? South ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Multiple Procedures Don't Always Mean 51
Question: Our neurologist often performs multiple procedures during the same encounter. Sh... Read more
Question: Our neurologist often performs multiple procedures during the same encounter. Sh... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Migraine Visit Level Can Vary
Question: Which level of E/M service should I report when a patient visits our practice fo... Read more
Question: Which level of E/M service should I report when a patient visits our practice fo... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Multi EMG With Chemodenervation Is OK
Question: One of our coders says we can bill multiple units for the EMG guidance with chem... Read more
Question: One of our coders says we can bill multiple units for the EMG guidance with chem... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Review Details Before Coding Pump Check
Question: Our neurologist saw a patient for an issue with his baclofen pump. What diagnosi... Read more
Question: Our neurologist saw a patient for an issue with his baclofen pump. What diagnosi... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Learn Ins and Outs of Neuropsychological Testing
Question: A recent Medicare newsletter stated they will no longer reimburse for 96119 when... Read more
Question: A recent Medicare newsletter stated they will no longer reimburse for 96119 when... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Co-Existing Conditions Can Make a Difference
Question: My neurologists give me information on many co-existing conditions (cardiology, ... Read more
Question: My neurologists give me information on many co-existing conditions (cardiology, ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Lower Cervical Injection = TPI
Question: What code should I submit when my physician injects the lower cervical muscles w... Read more
Question: What code should I submit when my physician injects the lower cervical muscles w... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Patient-Generated Second Opinion Isn't a Consult
Question: How should I report the service when our neurologist offers a second opinion, no... Read more
Question: How should I report the service when our neurologist offers a second opinion, no... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ Talk With MD About Feigned-Illness Diagnosis
Question: Our neurologist saw an ED patient who complained of migraine pain. After examini... Read more
Question: Our neurologist saw an ED patient who complained of migraine pain. After examini... Read more
Test Your Review-of-Systems Knowledge for More Accurate Claims
2 expert scenarios help hone your E/M coding skills Before you report any E/M procedures,... Read more
2 expert scenarios help hone your E/M coding skills Before you report any E/M procedures,... Read more
Double-Check Dx for Diabetic Neuropathy to Avoid Denials
Follow these 3 steps to start a successful claim Almost half of diabetes patients have d... Read more
Follow these 3 steps to start a successful claim Almost half of diabetes patients have d... Read more
The 'Unlikely' Will Happen -- MUEs Are on Their Way
CMS delivers new category of long-promised edits One change to your coding in 2007 is the... Read more
CMS delivers new category of long-promised edits One change to your coding in 2007 is the... Read more
Factor in All Diagnoses With Consult
Question: Our neurologist performed a consult associated with diagnosing metastatic brain ... Read more
Question: Our neurologist performed a consult associated with diagnosing metastatic brain ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Get Back to Basics Before Appealing NCS Denial
Question: Our neurologist conducted a nerve conduction study on a patient's upper limbs on... Read more
Question: Our neurologist conducted a nerve conduction study on a patient's upper limbs on... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Maintenance Coding Hinges on Type of Pump
Question: What code should I report when our physician analyzes a patient's implantable/pr... Read more
Question: What code should I report when our physician analyzes a patient's implantable/pr... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Check 780.39 to Support Epilepsy Monitoring
Question: What is the most accurate diagnosis for epilepsy monitoring? Michigan Subscriber... Read more
Question: What is the most accurate diagnosis for epilepsy monitoring? Michigan Subscriber... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Causalgia Options Might Fit Neuropathic Pain
Question: My neurologist often documents -neuropathic pain- as the patient's primary diagn... Read more
Question: My neurologist often documents -neuropathic pain- as the patient's primary diagn... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Look to 310 and 331 for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Question: What diagnoses do carriers usually accept for mild cognitive impairment? Tenness... Read more
Question: What diagnoses do carriers usually accept for mild cognitive impairment? Tenness... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Meet the 4 R's Before Billing Consults
Question: My physician is being referred patients for -consults- by hospital physicians. W... Read more
Question: My physician is being referred patients for -consults- by hospital physicians. W... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ Late Effects Might Affect Aphasia Coding
Question: A patient came to our neurologist because she occasionally has a problem finding... Read more
Question: A patient came to our neurologist because she occasionally has a problem finding... Read more
Make Sure You Make Big Changes With Encephalitis, Epilepsy and Pain Coding
Our experts walk you through the new ICD-9 codes that will affect you most CPT 2007 doesn... Read more
Our experts walk you through the new ICD-9 codes that will affect you most CPT 2007 doesn... Read more
'New' or 'Established' Might Matter More Than You Think
2 questions allow you to pick the right code -- and the right level -- every tim... Read more
2 questions allow you to pick the right code -- and the right level -- every tim... Read more
Get Up to Speed on the CMS-1500 Changes
Review the final version and make your changes before the deadline The current CMS-1500 ... Read more
Review the final version and make your changes before the deadline The current CMS-1500 ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Bill Solu-Medrol Infusion by Supervising Doctor
Question: Physician A in our group ordered a patient's Solu-Medrol infusion, and Physician... Read more
Question: Physician A in our group ordered a patient's Solu-Medrol infusion, and Physician... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ 'Unspecified' May Be Best Bet for Paraparesis
Question: What ICD-9 code should I report for paraparesis? The coding manual states -see p... Read more
Question: What ICD-9 code should I report for paraparesis? The coding manual states -see p... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Verify Location for Sleep Lab Study POS
Question: Our neurologist sees patients for standard office visits at three locations. Two... Read more
Question: Our neurologist sees patients for standard office visits at three locations. Two... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Double-Check Double-Injection Reporting
Question: Our neurologist administered Cytoxan and Solu-Medrol injections to a patient on ... Read more
Question: Our neurologist administered Cytoxan and Solu-Medrol injections to a patient on ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Watch Modifiers for Multiple-Injection Visits
Question: Our physician injected Botox to both of the patient's eyelids and the left side ... Read more
Question: Our physician injected Botox to both of the patient's eyelids and the left side ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Base Sundowning Dx on Original Condition
Question: I-ve read that differences exist between delirium, dementia and sundowning. What... Read more
Question: I-ve read that differences exist between delirium, dementia and sundowning. What... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Educate Staff Before E-Mailing Patients
Question: Our physician wants the office to begin using e-mail to contact our patients. Ca... Read more
Question: Our physician wants the office to begin using e-mail to contact our patients. Ca... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Get More Specific With Dystonia Diagnosis
Question: One of our coders says we can no longer report diagnosis 333.7. What should we r... Read more
Question: One of our coders says we can no longer report diagnosis 333.7. What should we r... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER ~ TPI With Xylocaine
Question: How should I bill for trigger point injections with Xylocaine? Rhode Island Subs... Read more
Question: How should I bill for trigger point injections with Xylocaine? Rhode Island Subs... Read more