Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Interpreting Test Results
Question: Our neurologist (on call for that week) ordered an MRI, MRA and CT scan for a patient seen at the hospital. Can he charge for reading the tests even though the radiology department has already billed? Also, if a new patient brings films to his initial consult, can the doctor bill for reading the tests, which were provided some time ago and have been previously read (the patient is coming in for a second opinion)? Neurology Discussion Group Participant Answer: In either case, the physician cannot bill separately for reading the test results. Because the radiologist or other physician has reviewed the tests and dictated a report already (and presumably charged for these services), your physician would be double-billing if he reported the services a second time. Rather, review of laboratory and other diagnostic tests is included as part of any E/M service reported, which you may consider as a component of medical decision-making when assigning an E/M level.
Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
- Be Sure You Know Whats Involved Before Reporting Mental Status Exam
Although CPT includes a specific code for mental status examinations (96115, Neurobehavioral status exam [clinical [...] - Get Your Fair Share When Reporting Concurrent Care
Insurers typically specify strict guidelines for payment of more than one service for the same [...] - You be the Coder:
Less Than 24-Hour Monitoring
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - News Brief:
Look for Revised Place-of-Service Indicators in 2003
As part of CMS' proposed revisions to the 2003 Physician Fee Schedule, the agency has [...] - Reader Questions:
Bilateral H-Reflex Testing
Question: The patient presented with a complaint of numbness and pain in the left leg. [...] - Reader Questions:
Nursing Home Consult
Question: One of my physicians was asked to see a patient in a nursing home. [...] - Reader Questions:
In-Office Lumbar Puncture
Question: We've decided to provide lumbar punctures in the office instead of in the hospital. [...] - Reader Questions:
Interpreting Test Results
Question: Our neurologist (on call for that week) ordered an MRI, MRA and CT scan [...] - Reader Questions:
Billing for Treatment to Relatives
Question: Recently, our neurology practice began treating an aunt of one of the group physicians. [...] - Reader Questions:
Surface EMGs
Question: Is there a code for surface EMGs? Alaska Subscriber Answer: CPT provides no code [...] - Correction:
Electroencephalogram
The November issue of Neurology Coding Alert (page 81) incorrectly stated that electroencephalogram (EEG) procedures [...]
