Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Skip 64565 for NMES
Question: Can I code for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)? Answer: Yes, you may report NMES using 97032 (Application of a modality to one or more areas; electrical stimulation [manual], each 15 minutes) for electrical spinal cord treatments that require "constant attendance" and, therefore, direct patient-to-provider contact, according to CPT. You should not report an electrical stimulation code such as 97014 (... electrical stimulation [unattended]) because it refers to a therapy modality that does not require the presence of a clinician.
Colorado Subscriber
And although electrical spinal cord treatment is "neuromuscular electrical stimulation," you should not report it using 64565 (Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrodes; neuromuscular).
Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
- Pin Down Your Chances for Acupuncture Reimbursement With Better Documentation
Medicare won't pay, but an ABN can save reimbursement If you're reporting acupuncture codes (97810-97814), [...] - You Be the Coder:
Is Equipment All That Matters for -26?
Question: I've always thought that I can bill for both the professional and technical components [...] - Watch Your E/M Coding With Mental Status Exams
CMS guidelines prohibit separate billing When you code a mini-mental status exam (MMSE), don't make [...] - Confused by 'Functional Muscle Group'? Here's the Scoop
Think in terms of 'body parts,' not individual muscles When you're reporting chemodenervation injections, count [...] - Here's How to Differentiate Mental Status Exams From Mini-MSE
The MMSE (mini-mental status exam) is a 30-element examination, originally created to provide a quick [...] - Don't Let Drug Waste Shrink Your Bottom Line
Schedule multiple Botox treatments to combat short shelf life Botox is expensive, and if you're [...] - News for Coders:
Biogen Idec and Elan Suspend Tysabri
Neurology practices offering, or planning to offer, Tysabri infusions for multiple sclerosis patients now face [...] - Reader Questions:
Destruction Codes Describe RFTC
Question: How can I report radiofrequency thermal coagulation (RFTC) to disable the nerves in a [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to CPT for Facet Joint Instructions
Question: Should I use modifier -50 for bilateral facet joint injections (64470-64476)? If yes, would [...] - Reader Questions:
Call on 95928/95929 for Central Motor Tests
Question: How should I code central evoked motor studies?
California Subscriber
Answer: For 2005, CPT added [...] - Reader Questions:
Once per Session Is Enough for 95869
Question: May I report multiple units of 95869 for testing multiple spinal levels? Can I [...] - Reader Questions:
Skip 64565 for NMES
Question: Can I code for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)?
Colorado Subscriber
Answer: Yes, you may report [...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to 95904 for 'Mixed' Nerve
Question: What is a "mixed" nerve? How should I report nerve conduction studies for a [...] - Reader Questions:
Treat 'Meet and Greet' as a Courtesy
Question: Recently, our neurologist met with a prospective patient for a 20-minute "meet and greet" [...]
