Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

MPFS Final Rule:
Look at What’s Coming in 2024
Think a CF increase is in the cards? Think again. The COVID-19 public health emergency (... Read more
CPT® 2024:
Neurostimulator Insertions Highlight New Codes
CPT® also updated this revision/removal code. CPT® has released its list of new, revis... Read more
CPT® 2024:
T Code Expansion Coming Next Year
Reimbursement of these codes is payer-dependent. If CPT® 2024 is any indication, there ... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Initial Visit for MS Patient
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider treated a new patient with multi... Read more
Reader Question:
Anatomy Matters on Compartment Syndrome Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from nontraumatic compartm... Read more
Reader Question:
Rely on This Advice to Avoid Reiter’s Block
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the physician performed an office evaluation ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use These Tips to Report X{EPSU} Modifiers
Question: Can you explain when I should and shouldn't use the X{EPSU} modifiers? Mic... Read more
Reader Question:
Answer Chronic/Acute Question Before Choosing Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from postoperative pain. Wh... Read more
Reader Question:
Operative or Nonoperative? Check Before Coding This MRI
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider ordered a ‘functional MRI' of ... Read more
CPT® 2024:
Revisions Coming for Office/Outpatient E/M Descriptors
CPT® makes the change to parallel other E/M code descriptors. CPT® 2024 is in, and the ... Read more
Procedure Coding:
Use This Advice to Tap Spinal Puncture Coding Gold
Provider will typically make decision to perform puncture during E/M. Coders who are fili... Read more
Compliance:
Brush Up on Medical Necessity for Stronger Coding
Here's how a compliance program could bolster your bottom line. There probably isn't a pr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stay on Top of Parkinson’s Dx With OFF Smarts
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed a level-three office evalua... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look at Px Behaviors to Nail Disturbance Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider treated a patient with mild vascular ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Do This on Thyroid US
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed ultrasound (US) of the thyr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Out This Hydrocephalus Dx Primer
Question: What are the differences among the hydrocephalus diagnosis codes in ICD-10? Ore... Read more
Reader Questions:
MDM Might Be Affected by Uncertain Dx
Question: Does an undiagnosed new problem with uncertain diagnosis automatically translate... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Testing for Bell’s Palsy
Question: A patient reports complaining of sudden-onset paralysis on the left side of thei... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Check Out These 4 MPFS Proposals
Next year likely to see updates to rules on SDoH, telehealth. The COVID-19 public health ... Read more
Condition Coding:
Evaluation for Stroke Could Include E/M, Imaging
Also, here's why selecting the proper Dx code is vital. Patients reporting to the neurol... Read more
Technology:
Use This Primer to Navigate E-Visit Coding
Remember cumulative time for correct coding. As we venture into the second decade of the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Lowdown on MRA, MRI Differences
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the physician performed magnetic resonance an... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Modifier, ED E/M for This Pain Px
Question: The PM physician treated a patient with shoulder pain in the emergency depa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Out This Guide to Choosing fMRI Code
Question: What is a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and how do I code f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Dx Code for ALS
Question: The neurologist treated a patient with “ALS.” What diagnosis code shou... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get to Know Hydrocephalus Dx Codes
Question: Encounter notes indicate a patient has communicating hydrocephalus. What is... Read more
PM Focus:
Help Yourself With Knowledge of Interventional PM Techniques
Do you know how to code a rhizotomy? When it comes to interventional PM, physicians have ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Know Cigna E/M Change Before It Happens
Change has been delayed, but it's still on horizon. If you didn't know, Cigna has set its... Read more
MIPS:
CMS Ready to Help Small Practices With MIPS
Online tools can ease the burden of reporting MIPS. Although there are challenges for any... Read more
Reader Questions:
Want More 2024 ICD-10s? We Got ‘Em!
Question: Last month's issue of Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert contained inf... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose Long-Term Codes for Some EEGs
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the a patient underwent an electroencephalogram (E... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Partial/Complete Definitions for Paraplegia/Quadriplegia
Question: What is the difference between partial and complete paraplegia and quadriplegia,... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look to Alternate Terms for Cerebellar Abscess Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the physician performed an office evaluation and m... Read more
ICD-10 2024:
Code Sets Include New Diagnoses for Parkinson’s, Migraine
Epilepsy codes get a new category in 2024. The team at ICD-10 has released the new code l... Read more
Mythbusters:
Make Modifier 25 Concerns Disappear With These Tips
Don't let work, money go to waste. Getting paid for modifier 25 claims has often been tr... Read more
AI Learning:
Get on AI Bandwagon With Appendix S Primer
See how CPT® is getting ahead of the AI game. Did you notice the section on artificial i... Read more
Reader Questions:
See ICD-10 Index As Starting Point
Question: A payer denied a claim for an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivit... Read more
Reader Questions:
Do You Have Most Up-to-Date ABN?
Question: How do I know if I'm using the most up-to-date advanced beneficiary notice (ABN)... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medical Necessity Is …
Question: What exactly is medical necessity? New Mexico Subscriber Answer: There is no o... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cauda Equina and Monoplegia
Question: What is the proper diagnosis code for cauda equina, and how does this condition ... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Know Other Headache Types to Master Dx Coding
Read on to discover characteristics of these headaches. Everyone knows, or is at least f... Read more
Pain Management:
Get Shot Codes Straight, Shoot Straight on PM Injections
ESI coding depends on approach. When patients suffer from chronic or acute pain, other th... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
I.D. Disorder Types to Pinpoint Disc Dx
‘Other' cervical disc disorders call for M50.8-. When a patient has a cervical disc dis... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get a Grip on CP ICD-10s With This Info
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from “dystonic CP.” I'... Read more
Reader Questions:
Opt for 1 Code When US Is Included
Question: The provider performs arthrocentesis on a patient's left shoulder with ultr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider This Alternative to Modifier 52 Coding Route
Question: Our providers commonly perform lumbar sympathetic plexus blocks via single ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember to Report All Breaches
Question: We uncovered a small data breach in our practice that impacted about 225 pa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Skull Fractures and ICD-10
Question: A new patient reports to the neurologist complaining of intermittent headac... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Keep Up With Terms for Correct Epilepsy Dx Coding
Do you know what constitutes intractable epilepsy? Patients with epilepsy might share qu... Read more
E/M Coding:
Coders, Payers Adjusting to Hospital E/M Changes
Here's why getting the correct POS is a new challenge. When you took a look at CPT® 2023... Read more
Compliance:
Keep Payers Happy With Thorough Documentation
Poor documentation often means poor financial outcomes for practices. When the payer de... Read more
Reader Questions:
Do This When Patient Refuses Test
Question: Suppose a physician orders a diagnostic test, such as an electrocardiogram... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember Code First Notes for Neuro Disorder
Question: The surgeon treats a patient with mild neurocognitive disorder due to Parki... Read more
Reader Questions:
Refer to This MAC for Sign-Off Guidance
Question: We are having an issue with providers sending us unsigned medical records f... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Details Matter With New Dementia Dx
Question: A patient who suffers from mild vascular dementia has exhibited some aggres... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Understand Osteoarthritis Types for Spot-On Coding
Do you know when to report secondary OA? There will be times that patients report to the... Read more
Compliance:
Be Savvy to These HIPAA Rules for Post-PHE Compliance
The PHE ends this month; is your practice be ready? Remember when there wasn't a public ... Read more
Denials:
Use These 5 Tips to Contest Denials
Studying practice patterns could key future denial prevention. There probably aren't many... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to This New US Code for Comprehensive Exam
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider ordered an ultrasound (US) on a ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Synonyms for These Congenital Skull/Face Malformations
Question: The provider performed an office evaluation and management (E/M) service fo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Code First Instructions on Toxic Myopathy Dx
Question: During an office evaluation and management (E/M) service, the provider perf... Read more
Reader Questions:
More Info Results in More Detailed Hemorrhage Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider treated a patient suffering from... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get Sleep Study Answers Before Choosing Code
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider ordered a sleep study with five ... Read more
Testing:
Spot-On EEG Coding Depends on Testing Length
Also, you'll need to note patient's state of consciousness. Several potential coding issu... Read more
E/M Coding:
Dodge Denials by Following Documentation, Query Advice
Here's how to check the record to avoid duplicate queries. Documentation is important in ... Read more
Compliance:
Help HIPAA Know-How by Mastering These 3 Elements
Remember, the PHE is ending soon. The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is still on... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Graves’ Disease With Neuropathy
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider treated a patient with autonomic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Catch-All Code for This Myopathy Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate the provider performed an office evaluation and ma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Modifier When Working With Global Issues
Question: A patient came to our practice seeking a second opinion during the 90-day g... Read more
Reader Questions:
Epidural Code Choice Depends on Device
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon implanted a device for epidural ... Read more
Pain Management:
Use New Medicare G Codes for Chronic Pain Management
Also, remember add-on codes where appropriate. The number of patients needing chronic pai... Read more
Testing:
Change EMG Coding When NCS Occurs
CPT® considers EMG secondary to NCS, so code appropriately. Patients requiring needle el... Read more
Clip & Save:
Dx Codes List Is Vast for EMGs
Code for NCS only if it accompanies EMG. The sheer number of conditions that can be treat... Read more
Case Study Corner:
Check Your Skills With This ED Scenario
Remember, give your provider the credit they deserve on MDM level. Emergency department... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Code for Provisional Tics
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the physician treated a patient suffering fro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rejected Is not Synonymous With Denied
Question: I filed a claim, and it was rejected. When I reviewed the claim, I discover... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider Specifics When Tying Stable Chronic Illness to MDM
Question: We have a patient with one chronic problem. It is not worsening, but it is ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Concussion From a Fall Leads to Dx Double
Question: An established patient presented to the practice complaining of intense hea... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look to This Code for Steinert Disease
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed a level-three evaluati... Read more
Testing:
Know Other EV Test Types to Master Coding Category
Do you know the code for a ‘blink reflex' EP test? When your provider performs an evoke... Read more
MPFS Final Rule:
Critical Care Add-On Splits CPT®, CMS
How you report +99292 is payer-dependent. Though it came out late in 2022, the 2023 Medic... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Get the Lowdown on These Back Pain Dx Codes
Knowledge of terms helps determine correct diagnosis. When you're reporting pain managem... Read more
Reader Questions:
New Care Plan Doesn’t Start With Each Visit
Question: We have a provider in our practice that insists on adding an office/outpat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Neurolysis Code to the Side
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed an anesthetic injectio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Code Trio for Agoraphobia Dx
Question: Is agoraphobia considered a social phobia? We are debating the diagnosis co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Foggy on Concussion Details? Query the Provider
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed an office evaluation a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observation Coding in 2023
Question: Encounter notes indicate that on Jan. 2, 2023, the provider performed initial ob... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Conversion Factor not Sitting Well With Experts
The 2023 MPFS will make exact coding more important than ever. The Centers for Medicare &... Read more
Testing:
Know Latency Length on Evoked Potential Studies
Test could be used to check for numerous conditions. When your provider performs an evoke... Read more
E/M 2023:
Know Payer Preferences for New Prolonged Service Codes
CMS, CPT® still split on when you can code for extra time. In the last few years, the Ce... Read more
Clip & Save:
Consult This Chart to Select Codes
To avoid confusion over code choice for your Medicare and private payer patients, and to c... Read more
Reader Question:
Shy-Drager Syndrome Calls for This Generic Dx
Question: During an office evaluation and management (E/M) service for an established... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to These Codes for Complicated Headache Syndrome
Question: What is complicated headache syndrome? How do I choose an ICD-10 code for t... Read more
Reader Question:
Think Twice Before Coding This E/M Incident-to
Question: A new patient came in and the nurse practitioner (NP) took the initial hist... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observation Coding in 2023
Question: Encounter notes indicate that on Jan. 2, 2023, the provider performed initi... Read more
Available Years:  2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999