Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Let MD Narrow Diagnosis for Alexander Disease
Question: What is the correct diagnosis for Alexander disease? Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Several diagnoses could apply to Alexander disease, so get more details from your physician before coding. Options include 728.89 (Other disorders of muscle, ligament, and fascia; other), 288.2 (Genetic anomalies of leukocytes), 288.3 (Eosinophilia), 710.5 (Eosinophilia myalgia syndrome) and 710.8 (Other specified diffuse diseases of connective tissue). What it is: According to Stedman's Medical Dictionary, Alexander disease is a rare, fatal central nervous system degenerative disease of infants. The disease is characterized by psychomotor retardation, seizures and paralysis. Patients might also experience megaloencephaly and widespread leukodystrophic changes.
Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
- Procedure Focus:
Follow These Tips to Boost Your Interrupted Lumbar Puncture Accuracy
Modifier 53 and documentation help clarify coding A Neurology Coding Alert reader recently asked if [...] - Compliance Corner:
Track Locum Tenens Billing Accurately or Face Audits
Use computerization, special file for temp doctor A locum tenens physician may be a temporary [...] - Unit Know-How:
Get the Straight Answers on ENG and VNG Allowable Units
Reporting 92546 for standard ENG testing? AMA says not so fast If you-re confused about [...] - You Be the Coder:
Injections With Electromyographies
Question: Our neurologist performed a unilateral needle electromyography on three extremities for a patient with [...] - Reader Questions:
Choose Modifier Carefully for Dual Injections
Question: Our physician recently treated a patient in our office with olecranon bursitis in her [...] - Reader Questions:
Search 438.xx for CVA Late Effects
Question: What diagnosis should I report for post-CVA deficits? Michigan Subscriber Answer: If you need [...] - Reader Questions:
Let MD Narrow Diagnosis for Alexander Disease
Question: What is the correct diagnosis for Alexander disease? Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Several diagnoses could [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to 310 and 331 for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Question: What diagnoses do carriers usually accept for mild cognitive impairment? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Codes [...] - Reader Questions:
Inching Along Doesn't Merit Separate Code
Question: Does CPT include a separate code for "inching" nerve conduction studies? California Subscriber Answer: [...] - Reader Questions:
Intraoperative EMG Calls for Surgery Diagnosis
Question: The neurologist monitors a patient's nerves while she is in the operating room for [...] - Reader Questions:
96415 Doesn't Count Toward Observation
Question: Our physician administered a one-hour infusion of Tysabri, followed by one hour of observation. [...] - Reader Questions:
Documentation Guides Occipital Headache Code
Question: What diagnosis applies to an occipital headache? Should I code for just a regular [...]
