Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Check that your providers have clear documentation for these critical areas. Does your pain management specialist clearly document each detail of ablation treatments for spinal pain, from the temperature and duration to the level of improvement? He needs to, if you file claims with United Healthcare (UHC). Explanation: United Healthcare introduced revised guidelines for "Ablative Treatment for Spinal Pain," effective for treatments provided on June 1, 2011, and beyond. The guidelines specifically address six areas where clear documentation is imperative, so work with your providers to ensure their documentation passes muster. Focus on Temperature, Duration, and Location The UHC policy states that medical records for ablation to treat spinal pain must clearly document six items: Temperature of administration of procedure Duration of ablation Specific identification of side and level of medial branch blocks Specific cervical, thoracic and/or lumbar ablated by side and level Percentage of pain relief with prior ablation, [...]