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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

ICD-10 Coding:
Look Back for These Details on Intervertebral Disc Dx
If the provider documented Schmorl's nodes, it will affect ICD-10 coding. Coders that com... Read more
Q&A:
Keep Base Code Knowledge Sharp on EP Study Claims
Here's why you need to know latency length for some code selection. When your provider pe... Read more
Case Study Corner:
Crack This Chemodenervation Clinical Scenario
Use the scenario details to arrive at an answer. In your practice, it's highly likely you... Read more
Reader Question:
Go for Single-Code Option on CT Guidance/Epidural
Question: Notes indicate that the provider performed an interlaminar lumbar epidural injec... Read more
Reader Question:
Some Office E/M Rules Don't Apply to ED E/Ms
Question: Our PM specialist was called to the ED to see an established patient for an eval... Read more
Reader Question:
Cross CRNAs Off LT List
Question:  Can we code a certified registered nurse anesthetist's (CRNA) service with... Read more
Reader Question:
Observe This Privacy Rule for Deceased Patients
Question: Per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), should we m... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Autonomic Nerve Injections
Question: Notes indicate that the PM physician performed a single autonomic nerve injectio... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Check Out Individual Policies on Face/Neck Chemodenervation
Payer matters when it comes to diagnoses for these injections. Coders have a potential pr... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Many Payers Put Out Their Own Chemodenervation Dx Code Lists
Know every payer's policy on paying 64612-64617. Getting to the correct diagnosis code fo... Read more
2019 MPFS:
Prep Now for Potential E/M Changes
If implemented, these new CMS-proposed rules will affect your practice. When it comes to ... Read more
Mythbusters:
Keep on the Right Track With Adhesiolysis Coding Smarts
Here's why you shouldn't report 62263 in conjunction with 62264. Coders aiming to file cl... Read more
Reader Question:
Follow These Px Email Rules
Question: How do we document email exchanges between a patient and our provider or nonphys... Read more
Reader Question:
Ensure ABN Success With These G Modifiers
Question: I'm filing a claim that includes an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) for a Medic... Read more
You Be the Coder:
ICD-10's 2019 Hurricane-Related Dx Codes
Question: Are there any 2019 ICD-10 codes we should be using that pertain to patients that... Read more
Injections:
Keep an Eye on Notes for Sure-Shot Epidural Injection Coding
Reminder: Cervical/thoracic, lumbar/sacral shots have separate codes. PM coders that file... Read more
News You Can Use:
Medicare Carrier Loosening Some NPP E/M Rules
NGS will allow NPPs to code same-day E/Ms under certain circumstances. If you've heard of... Read more
E/M Coding:
I.D. Provider Type, Then Select Prolonged Services Code
When coding these services, the performing provider matters. Evaluation and management (E... Read more
Reader Question:
Study Spinal Region When Choosing Radiculopathy Dx
  Question: If the neurologist documents lumbosacral radiculopathy, how should ... Read more
Reader Question:
Decipher These Meningeal, Spinal Cord Tumor ICD-10 Options
Question: How do I report malignant meningeal and spinal cord tumors? North Carolina... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Careful With Timed EEG Codes
Question: Notes indicate that the PM physician performed an extended electroencephalo... Read more
Reader Question:
Treat TTS Different Than CTS
Question: A new coder in our department told us that her previous practice treated pa... Read more
Reader Question:
Turn Negative ROS Coding Into a Positive
Question: Can we count a “complete” ROS when the provider includes a statement su... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Your Finger on Digital Neuroplasty Code
Question: I'm new to PM coding and I've been trying to get up to speed on the CPT® c... Read more
Reader Question:
Get to the Heart of Cerebral Circulation Definition
Question: What are the key components of cerebral circulation? Georgia Subscriber Answer... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Arthrocentesis Coding With Depo-Medrol
Question: A patient with a diagnosis of post-traumatic right knee osteoarthritis reports t... Read more
News You Can Use:
Medicare Announces Conversion Rate, E/M Guideline Proposals
CMS suggestions include potential ‘leveling' of E/M payments. As it does every summer, ... Read more
ICD-10:
Clonic Hemifacial Spasm, CI, T Codes Highlight 2019 Updates
Follow these Dx coding changes starting October 1. CMS recently published its list of the... Read more
E/M Coding:
Use 99211 Properly to Optimize Staff Efficiency, Profitability
Know when you can report 99211 without physician present. If you understand how to use it... Read more
Reader Question:
Look for Liquid on Effusion Patients
Question: Our PM specialist performed a level-three evaluation and management (E/M) servic... Read more
Reader Question:
Code CT With Contrast After Checking Sequence
Question: Notes indicate that the PM specialist performed a computed tomography (CT) scan ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Document Underlying Cause for Kyphosis
Question: The neurologist documented kyphosis in a patient who had undergone a laminectomy... Read more
ICD-10-CM Update:
Check for Expanded Myalgia, Muscular Dystrophy Sets in 2019
If you wait until January to use new Dx codes, you'll be late. Coders in medical practice... Read more
Testing:
Refer to This FAQ for Bullseye MRI Coding
Here's when your provider might use contrast material during an MRI. Sometimes, coding a ... Read more
Mythbusters:
End E/M Coding Confusion With Payer Advice
Novitas offers up tips on confusing E/M topics. Coding for evaluation and management (E/M... Read more
E/M Coding:
Use this Advice, Put Subsequent Care Concerns to Rest
Here's how the experts evaluate and manage service level determinations. When a provider ... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Specific for Ankle Pain Dx
Question: A patient reported to our practice complaining of pain in the right ankle region... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick Carefully on TMJ Disorder Dx
Question: How should I report a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder? Ariz... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Mixed CP Dx Right
Question: Which diagnosis code would you report for mixed cerebral palsy? Idaho Subscribe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Separate ICD-10 Choices for Certain Cerebral Aneurysms
Question: Can you explain which ICD-10 codes we would go to when reporting nonruptured and... Read more
Testing:
Spot EDX Tests for Maximum Payout
Here's why date of service might matter for EDX eligibility. Whenever you spot a claim th... Read more
CERT:
Dodge Medical Necessity Errors With CERT Smarts
Errors often emerge when treating back, neck issues in patients. Coders concerned with pr... Read more
Modifiers:
Avoid These Common 24/25 Myths to Max Out Claims
Here's why you need to know global periods when considering 24, 25. A coding myth can kil... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep It Turned to 7 on Crush Injury Dx
Question: An established patient with an injured forearm reports to the PM specialist. The... Read more
Reader Question:
Include Fracture History on Osteoporosis Patients
Question: The PM specialist treated a patient with osteoporosis. The patient doesn't have ... Read more
Reader Question:
Spondylopathy Dx Could Include 'Other' Classification
Question: The PM specialist performs a level-two evaluation and management (E/M) service f... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Sequential, Concurrent IV Infusions
Question: What is the difference between an additional sequential intravenous (IV) infusio... Read more
Injections:
Take Levels into Account on Facet Joint Injections
Here's how these encounters might involve multiple codes. Coders in the know are well awa... Read more
Clip and Save:
These Diagnoses Might Mean Facet Joint Injection
Payer policies will differ for these services. When a patient reports to the PM specialis... Read more
Mythbusters:
Listen Up: These Stereotactic Coding Missteps Could Cost You
Remember the differences between 61790, 61791. When your neurologist uses a three-dimensi... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Keep Stomach Pain Coding on Point with these Tips
Intricacies of these diagnoses can get tricky. In order to select the appropriate ICD-10 ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use these Dx Codes for Knee-Related RA
Question: I have encounter notes in front of me that indicate the provider treated a patie... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Dx Coding for Post-Laminectomy Pain
Question: The provider consulted a patient two weeks after a cervical laminectomy for spin... Read more
CCI Edits:
April Puts Spotlight on CCI Bundle Switches
New edits in effect for care management, prolonged services codes. The latest version of ... Read more
ICD-10:
Rely on Patient Status for Accurate Sequela Coding
Here's why determining the principal diagnosis is key to sequela selection. Neurology and... Read more
Compliance:
Bolster ABN Knowledge with this FAQ
When Medicare might not pay, get an ABN, experts recommend. Neurology and PM practices th... Read more
Reader Question:
Use NPI to Help with Part A/B Decision
Question: The hospital admitted a Medicare patient three days ago, and she underwent emerg... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ablation Codes for Multiple Destructions
Question: If a patient reports to the provider for scheduled spinal radiofrequency (RF) ab... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take this Primer to Heart on E/M Specs
Question: As a new coder, I am still a little confused by the times listed in the descript... Read more
Injections:
Focus on Anatomy When Choosing Nerve Block Code
Providers often use TN blocks for lower jaw pain. Choosing the proper code when your phys... Read more
Compliance:
Payer Preference Drives Coding for Services Within Global Period
Remember, not all payers will follow Medicare. If you're coding for a Medicare patient, t... Read more
E/M Coding:
Heed This Advice for Accurate Consult Coding
Some, but not all, payers will accept CPT® consult codes. When the physician performs a ... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember to Separate Extremities, Muscles on Chemodenervation
Question: The physician performed a level-three evaluation and management (E/M) service fo... Read more
Reader Question:
Go All the Way on Right-Sided Dx Coding
Question: The physician saw a new patient with a complaint of right-sided extremity pain; ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Joint Aspiration/Injections
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the physician performed a knee aspiration and a kn... Read more
Transitional Care:
Dodge TCM Pitfalls with these Tips
Mark 30 days before employing 99495, 99496. Without proper coding knowledge, reporting tr... Read more
Terminology 101:
Hit Pay Dirt with this Migraine Coding Advice
Knowledge of 'aura' can demystify Dx code choice. Since ICD-10 came along with its greate... Read more
Terminology 101, Session 2:
Migraine Dx Coding Strength Depends on these Terms
Here's the term that describes a migraine that won't go away. The ICD-10 manual includes ... Read more
Reader Question:
Ask Questions for More Evoked Potentials Detail
Question: Notes indicate the PM physician performed an evoked potentials test. It was a sh... Read more
Reader Question:
Dig for Info on Nerve Block Delivery Method
Question: After performing a level-four new patient evaluation and management (E/M) servic... Read more
Reader Question:
Assessment Coding Depends on What Provider Assesses
Question: Can you explain the difference between 96127 and 96110 assessment codes for chil... Read more
Reader Question:
Solve PFSH Level Issues with this Guidance
Question: Can you give me an example of pertinent past, family, and social history (PFSH) ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Ab Pain Diagnosis
Question: What is the correct ICD-10 code for upper-quadrant abdominal pain? Arizona Subs... Read more
Injection Coding:
Sure-Shot TPI Coding Often Depends on Dx Work
Stay sharp, since there's no definitive list of TPI diagnoses. Patients that require trig... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Look to these Examples to Gauge Myelography Coding Acumen
Real-world coding scenarios can help you master myelographies. Instructional learning wit... Read more
CCI:
Check Lesion Removals Against CCI Edits
Adhere to CCI to stay compliant with CMS guidelines. Your provider might, on occasion, re... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Familiar with 2018 CMS Telehealth Changes
Question: Can you tell me if there's anything new going on in telehealth coding for 2018? ... Read more
Reader Question:
Make Metatarsalgia Dx a Matter of Laterality
Question: What are the ICD-10 options for reporting metatarsalgia? Alabama Subscriber An... Read more
Reader Question:
Look for Physician Presence Before Coding for APNs
Question: We have two house-call teams of advanced practice nurses (APNs) who go to patien... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for Interlaminar Epidural Blocks
Question: A patient received an interlaminar epidural block of the lumbar spine with fluor... Read more
E/M Coding:
Account for Updated Language on Observation Codes
CPT® clears up outpatient confusion on 99217-99220. Observation services coding can get ... Read more
E/M Coding:
Reserve these E/Ms for 'Middle-Day' Observation Coding
For subsequent observation days, use 99224-99226. On occasion, your neurologist could kee... Read more
Compliance:
Familiarize Yourself with CCI Sequential Procedures Policy
Rely on operative report and diagnoses to determine coding process. Those with a firm gra... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Your RAC, Keep from Wracking Your Brain
Question: I've been doing some reading about recovery audit contractors (RACs), and frankl... Read more
Reader Question:
Elude Catch 22 with Documentation for Modifier 22 Claims
Question: We submitted a claim with modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) because th... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember, Modifier 57 Is a 'Major' Decision
Question: When are you supposed to report modifier 57? Is it a modifier for evaluation and... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Clues to Decipher CCI Modifier Indicator 1
Question: I was looking up Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits for 99221 and 99212, and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Feds Can Help with IT Training
Question: I am the head of the coding department at a practice that has been under the sam... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Keep on Top of Occipital Nerve Block Codes
Question: Our provider administered a block near the skull base to treat occipital nerve p... Read more
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