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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

CPT® Skills:
Handy Tips Guide Your Intracranial Arterial Procedure Know-How
Hint: Never report 61645 in conjunction with 61650 or +61651 for the same vascular distrib... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Brush Up On Cervical Disc Disorders With 3 Quick Questions
Don't mix up radiculopathy and myelopathy. When it comes to reporting cervical disc disor... Read more
ICD-10:
Reporting Multiple External Cause Codes? Make Sure You Know the Rules
Don't miss: The guidelines assume all transport accident categories have accidental intent... Read more
Reader Question:
Need Advice for Reporting LT Services? Read This
Question: Are we allowed to report a nonphysician practitioner's (NPP) services with a loc... Read more
Reader Question:
Always Append Modifiers With Caution
Question: The neurosurgeon performed a left temporoparietal craniotomy with an open brain ... Read more
Reader Question:
Unravel This Hematoma Scenario
Question: A patient, who is a week status post-cervical laminectomy for the resection of t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Append Modifier 52 With Caution
Question: The physician performed electroencephalograpy (EEG) video monitoring on a patien... Read more
CPT® 2019:
Anatomical Location and Programming Complexity Highlight New Implanted Neurostimulator Codes
Hint: Never report 95976 in conjunction with 95977. If you thought implanted neurostimula... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Encephalocele Repair Skills With This Quick Quiz
Mark down codes 62120 and 62121 for encephalocele repair services. Your neurosurgeon repa... Read more
ICD-10:
Hone Your External Cause Skills With Tips
Although external cause codes are not nationally mandated, they are highly suggested. Ext... Read more
Reader Question:
Instruct Medicare Patients to Do This if Don't Receive New Card
Question: In the office, we heard that the mailing wave for the newly-designed Medicare ca... Read more
Reader Question:
Know How Add-On Codes Work
Question: Can you ever report +61781, +61782, or +61783 as primary codes? North Carolina ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to This ICD-10 Code for Ventricular Cyst
Question: How do you report the diagnosis of ventricular cyst? New York Subscriber Answe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle This Deep Abscess Scenario
Question: According to the OP note, the surgeon prepped and anesthetized the patient, then... Read more
CPT® 2019:
Navigate Implanted Neurostimulator Additions, Intracranial Vasospasm Balloon Dilation Revisions
Don't miss: Codes 95974 and +95975 have been deleted. From several implanted neurostimula... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Answer These Quick Questions to Ace Your Spinal Catheter Skills
Hint: Make sure you know if the surgeon performed a laminectomy. Although reporting for s... Read more
ICD-10:
5 Tips Transform Intervertebral Disorders Claims Into Successful Submissions
Notice if the surgeon documented Schmorl's nodes. When it comes to intervertebral disc di... Read more
Reader Question:
Utilize Z Code in This Instance
Question: A female patient who has successfully undergone surgery for removal of a brain n... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember This Modifier for LT Services
Question: One of the neurosurgeons in our group is expecting a baby, so she will be taking... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle this Corpectomy Coding Scenario With Ease
Question: The surgeon performed a partial C4 corpectomy (30-40 percent) and a partial C5 c... Read more
Adhesiolysis:
Bust These 5 Adhesiolysis Myths to Streamline Your Claims
Remember: Never report 62263 in conjunction with 62264. To file clean adhesiolysis claims... Read more
Quiz:
Test Your Craniotomy and Craniectomy Knowledge With 5 Quick Questions
Hint: Make sure you know when you can report a burr hole separately. As a coder, you alre... Read more
ICD-10 2019:
Hurricane Aftermath and Neoplasm Additions Dominate ICD-10 2019 Guidelines
If patient stops taking prescribed medicine under own volition, this is now considered und... Read more
Reader Question:
Mind Your Modifier 52 Use
Question:  The surgeon performs a left temporoparietal craniotomy with an open brain ... Read more
Reader Question:
Patient's Death Does Not Cancel out HIPAA Agreement
Question: According to HIPAA, should we maintain a patient's private health information af... Read more
Reader Question:
Turn to 62005 for Compound, Comminuted Fractures
Question: According to the operative note, the surgeon performed an elevation of compound,... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Learn the Correct Billing Guidelines for Certain Health Practitioners
Question: I understand there must be documentation in the operative note regarding the tas... Read more
Laminectomy 101:
Brush Up On Your Laminectomy Know-How For Spinal Coding Success
Remember: Report +63048 in conjunction with 63045 through 63047. You learned about lamino... Read more
CCI 24.2 Update:
Dig Into New Arthrodesis CCI Edits and Numerous 38222 Modifier Indicator Changes
Hint: Pay special attention to modifier indicator changing from “1” to “0.” CMS r... Read more
FAQs:
Strengthen Your Quadriplegia Coding Skills With These FAQs
Hint: Make sure you know whether the quadriplegia is complete or incomplete. Finding the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Focus on These Codes to Report Monoplegia Lower Limb
Question: Which ICD-10 code should we report monoplegia of a lower limb? Maine Subscriber... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Radiculopathy Dx Code Based on Spinal Region Involved
Question: If the neurosurgeon documents lumbosacral radiculopathy, how should I report thi... Read more
Reader Question:
Minimize Protected Health Information Leaks With These Questions
Question: Do you have any advice to help us protect our patients' health information, if t... Read more
Reader Question:
For Simple Skull Fractures, Opt for This CPT® Code
Question: A 60-year-old patient reported in the hospital with a history of falls. The neur... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Demystify This Fractured Facets Scenario
Question: Is there a CPT® code for the resection of fractured facets? This procedure occu... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
You'll Find New Clonic Hemifacial Spasm, Cerebral Infarction, and T Codes on Oct. 1
Don't miss new codes for hereditary cerebrovascular diseases. CMS recently published its ... Read more
Neurostimulators, Part:
Get the Scoop on Neurostimulator CPT® Codes
Hint: Don't report 61888 in conjunction with 61885 or 61886 for same pulse generator. You... Read more
Quick Quiz:
Can You Answer These 5 EOB-Related Questions?
Check out this list of the elements EOBs and RAs contain. Explaining explanation of benef... Read more
Reader Question:
Decipher These Meningeal, Spinal Cord Tumor ICD-10 Options
Question: How do I report malignant meningeal and spinal cord tumors? California Subscrib... Read more
Reader Question:
Brush up on Your ABCs of Tumor Approaches
Question: I'm confused by what the different tumor approaches mean. Can you please explain... Read more
Reader Question:
Demystify Commonly Used Modifier for Coding Success
Question: We are not sure of the correct instance to append modifier 25. Could you please ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ensure Underlying Cause for Kyphosis is Documented
Question: The neurosurgeon documented kyphosis in a patient who had undergone a laminectom... Read more
Part 1, Neurostimulators:
Handy Tips Streamline Your Cranial Neurostimulator Reporting
Hint: Make sure you count arrays and confirm recording in subcortical electrodes. If you ... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Answer These FAQs to Stay One Step Ahead of Herniated Disc Excision Errors
If the neurosurgeon performs the procedure bilaterally, don't forget to append modifier 50... Read more
Modifiers:
Shatter 3 Common E/M Modifier Myths to Ensure Deserved Reimbursement
Remember: Modifier 25 applies to minor procedures, not major procedures. Knowing when to ... Read more
Part 1, Neurostimulators:
Handy Tips Streamline Your Cranial Neurostimulator Reporting
Hint: Make sure you count arrays and confirm recording in subcortical electrodes. If you ... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Answer These FAQs to Stay One Step Ahead of Herniated Disc Excision Errors
If the neurosurgeon performs the procedure bilaterally, don't forget to append modifier 50... Read more
Modifiers:
Shatter 3 Common E/M Modifier Myths to Ensure Deserved Reimbursement
Remember: Modifier 25 applies to minor procedures, not major procedures. Knowing when to ... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Which Dx Code to Report for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage From Carotid Siphon
Question: Which diagnosis code would you report for a subarachnoid hemorrhage from carotid... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Correct ICD-10 Code for Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Question: Which diagnosis code would you report for mixed cerebral palsy? South Dakota Su... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Which Dx Code to Report for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage From Carotid Siphon
Question: Which diagnosis code would you report for a subarachnoid hemorrhage from carotid... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Correct ICD-10 Code for Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Question: Which diagnosis code would you report for mixed cerebral palsy? South Dakota Su... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Achieve Cerebral Aneurysm Reporting Success With This Advice
Question: Can you explain which ICD-10 codes we would go to when reporting nonruptured and... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Achieve Cerebral Aneurysm Reporting Success With This Advice
Question: Can you explain which ICD-10 codes we would go to when reporting nonruptured and... Read more
Stereotactic Surgery:
Bust Common Stereotactic Myths Before Making Costly Mistakes
Hint: Don't mix up 61790 and 61791. When your surgeon utilizes a three-dimensional coordi... Read more
CERT:
Delve Into CERT to Safeguard Your Neurosurgery Practice
Don't make these grave medical necessity errors. There are certain steps you can take whe... Read more
E/M Skills:
Advance Your Locum Tenens Skills With 3 FAQs
Remember: Your practice cannot hire a LT as "extra help." Coding conundrum: One of the ne... Read more
Reader Question:
Master Modifier Indicators
Question: What does a modifier indicator mean regarding the CCI edits? Florida Subscriber... Read more
Reader Question:
Ace the ABCs of Cerebral Circulation
Question: What are the key components of cerebral circulation? Georgia Subscriber Answer... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Between the 2 Types of PFSH
Question: What are the two types of past medical, family, and social history (PFSH), and h... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reference ICD-10 Guidelines to Solve This Coding Question
Question: The surgeon consulted a patient two-weeks following a cervical laminectomy for s... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Compare and Contrast these Various CSF Shunt Procedures
Equip yourself with all the vital info for accurate cerebral shunt coding. If you're a se... Read more
E/M Coding:
Implement these Observation E/M FAQs into your Coding Regimen
Time and language are key to correct code selection. Two code sets. Different location re... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Factor in Patient Status, Time for Accurate Sequela Coding
Plus, know how to determine the principal diagnosis. As a neurosurgery coder, you will en... Read more
Reader Question:
Stick to ICD-10-CM Index for TBI Coding
Question: What are the rules surrounding traumatic brain injury (TBI) coding? I can't figu... Read more
Reader Question:
Include Intraoperative US Guidance in 61510
Question: The provider performs an intraoperative ultrasound (US) during the removal of a ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Incorporate Non-OR Complication Treatment into Global Surgery Payment
Question: We have a patient who returned for a consultation for an infected incision site ... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Focus on Approach, Determine Correct Pituitary Tumor Removal Code
Prep yourself for any and all scenarios using this go-to-guide. Pituitary tumor excision ... Read more
Compliance:
Steer Clear of these 10 Medicare Missteps
Hint: Part B MACs even have a favorite font for your claim forms. When it comes to submit... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Refine Your Fx Coding Using These 2 Guidelines
Plus: What to do when the guidelines steer you toward a non-payable code. When it comes t... Read more
Reader Question:
Use NPI as Indicator for Medicare Part A, Part B Claims
Question: A Medicare patient has been admitted to the hospital for three days and underwen... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Modifiers 24, 25 together Under Certain Circumstances
Question: Can you ever report modifiers 24 and 25 on the same claim? Hawaii Subscriber A... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Code Separately for Fixation with 63051
Question: Our provider performed a C3-C5 laminoplasty in addition to a NewBridge Laminopla... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Correctly I.D. and Code this Neurosurgery Op Report
Know how to distinguish between procedures and correctly append modifiers. There's a lot ... Read more
Compliance:
Check Payer Guidelines for E/M, Non-OR Services within Global Period
Know when a payer's policies may not align with CMS. Medicare's rules are clear-cut when ... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Work Out Combination, Complication Dxs with These 2 Examples
Remember to check ICD-10-CM guidelines, even for obscure cases. Diagnosis: Arteriosclerot... Read more
Reader Question:
Outline Differences Between Unspecified, Uncertain Behavior
Question: A patient presents with a tumor of the cerebrum. The physician biopsies the tumo... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Separate Code for D&D with 63267
Question: How should I code for an L4-S1 laminectomy for drainage of epidural abscess and ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Factor in Adverse Effect Guidelines for Conditions following Chemotherapy
Question: What ICD-10 code should I use for a consultation for vomiting following chemothe... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Use these Pointers, Know When to Use All 3 Biomechanical Device Codes
Focus on procedure type, other factors, when determining code. New procedural code change... Read more
Modifiers:
Refine your Modifier 25 Coding with these 4 FAQs
Learn about the varying diagnostic factors to take into consideration - and much more! Re... Read more
CPT® Coding:
I.D. Differences Between Decompression and Discography
Differentiate between diagnostic and therapeutic testing. Patients reporting to your prov... Read more
Clarification:
Coding Correction on Laminectomy, Stabilization Device Article
We would like to provide an update to volume 18, issue 12 of the Neurosurgery Coding Alert... Read more
Reader Question:
Discern Between EEG, Extended EEG Monitoring
Question: I have an encounter form that states the neurosurgery provider performed an elec... Read more
Reader Question:
Refrain from Reporting Prolonged E/M with ED Codes
Question: Is there any way to report prolonged evaluation and management (E/M) servic... Read more
Reader Question:
Rely on LCD Instructions for Secondary Dxs
Question: A patient underwent kyphoplasty, which we coded with 22514 and a diagnosis M80.0... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Consider these New UHC Rules in Place for E/M Encounters
Question: Our practice has been told that there are new rules for NPs performing E/M visit... Read more
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