Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Does CMS Cover TIPs?
Question: Does Medicare still cover intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET)? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: CMS has ruled that thermal intradiscal procedures (TIPs), including IDET, are officially non-covered services. A CMS ruling states, "Effective for services performed on or after September 29, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has concluded that the evidence does not demonstrate that TIPs improve health outcomes; and has therefore determined that TIPs are not reasonable and necessary for the treatment of low back pain." TIPs are more than IDET: The term "TIPs" refers to percutaneous intradiscal techniques using devices that employ radiofrequency energy or electrothermal energy to create heat and/or disruption in the disc, according to the national coverage determination (NCD). This description includes the following procedures, among others: - intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) - intradiscal thermal annuloplasty (IDTA) - percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) - radiofrequency annuloplasty (RA) - intradiscal biacuplasty (IDB) - percutaneous (or plasma) disc decompression (PDD) or ablation - targeted disc decompression (TDD). Find the NCD at www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1646CP.pdf
Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
- Get the Most for Headache-Related Nerve Blocks in 3 Easy Steps
Tackle correct 64400 and 64405 coding head-on to ensure payment. If your neurology practice is [...] - You Be the Coder:
Don't Downcode E/M Service Modifier
Question: Another physician asked my neurologist to provide a consultation on a patient. The patient [...] - Pop Quiz:
Test Yourself Against Tricky Coding Questions
Did you conquer the coding conundrums of 2008? Find out now. Before you set aside [...] - Check Your Work:
Answers to the Quiz
Stay sharp on some of coding's more puzzling answers. How did you do? Check your [...] - Reader Questions:
Does CMS Cover TIPs?
Question: Does Medicare still cover intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET)? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: CMS has [...] - Readers Questions:
Use 95928-95929 for Central Motor Tests
Question: My neurologist documented that she performed motor EP studies. How should I code these [...] - Reader Questions:
Combination Injections Are Not Unlisted - Reader Questions:
Watch for HIPAA Issues With E-Mail
Question: I sometimes e-mail patient records to consultants or other coders for help on how [...] - Reader Questions:
Find Cervical Radiculopathy in ICD-9
" Question: I-m trying to find a diagnosis code for cervical radiculopathy, but I can't [...]
