Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Surgery:
Know Area Before Coding Neurostimulator Arrays
A trio of code sets represents these surgeries. Patients requiring open neurostimulator e... Read more
Know Area Before Coding Neurostimulator Arrays
A trio of code sets represents these surgeries. Patients requiring open neurostimulator e... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Here’s the Big News in the 2025 Proposed Rule
Big surprise: Another rate cut is coming. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servic... Read more
Here’s the Big News in the 2025 Proposed Rule
Big surprise: Another rate cut is coming. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servic... Read more
Modifier Madness:
Append Assistant at Surgery Modifiers Correctly
Hint: Do not report modifiers 80 and AS together. Modifiers are important to your medica... Read more
Append Assistant at Surgery Modifiers Correctly
Hint: Do not report modifiers 80 and AS together. Modifiers are important to your medica... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Electrothermal Annuloplasty
Question: A patient with lumbar spondylolysis reports to the surgeon for percutaneous... Read more
Electrothermal Annuloplasty
Question: A patient with lumbar spondylolysis reports to the surgeon for percutaneous... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Code for Lumbar Stenosis Tx
Question: Encounter notes indicates that the surgeon performed a laminectomy with exp... Read more
Use This Code for Lumbar Stenosis Tx
Question: Encounter notes indicates that the surgeon performed a laminectomy with exp... Read more
Reader Questions:
Select This Dx for Pick’s Disease
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from primary progressive ap... Read more
Select This Dx for Pick’s Disease
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from primary progressive ap... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Skinny on Medicare Overpayment Timeline
Question: We've heard that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says we... Read more
Get the Skinny on Medicare Overpayment Timeline
Question: We've heard that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says we... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) and... Read more
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) and... Read more
Reader Questions:
Phone In This E/M Encounter
Question: A patient presented to the office for a follow-up appointment. When the pat... Read more
Phone In This E/M Encounter
Question: A patient presented to the office for a follow-up appointment. When the pat... Read more
ICD-10 2025:
Codes for Epilepsy, Disc Degeneration Highlight New Additions
Do you know what KCNQ2-related epilepsy is? ICD-10 just settled on its list of new, revis... Read more
Codes for Epilepsy, Disc Degeneration Highlight New Additions
Do you know what KCNQ2-related epilepsy is? ICD-10 just settled on its list of new, revis... Read more
Compliance:
7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing
Prep now for summer fee-for-time fill-ins, previously called locum tenens. Summer vacatio... Read more
7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing
Prep now for summer fee-for-time fill-ins, previously called locum tenens. Summer vacatio... Read more
HEALTHCON 2024:
Keep Up With These Changes to Post-PHE Telehealth
And get ready for telehealth codes to change again in 2025. During her HEALTHCON 2024 pr... Read more
Keep Up With These Changes to Post-PHE Telehealth
And get ready for telehealth codes to change again in 2025. During her HEALTHCON 2024 pr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Dx Code for Atelomyelia
Question: A patient suffering from “atelomyelia” reports to the surgeon. What di... Read more
Use This Dx Code for Atelomyelia
Question: A patient suffering from “atelomyelia” reports to the surgeon. What di... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember Code First Notes on Toxic Encephalopathy Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from cell-associated neurot... Read more
Remember Code First Notes on Toxic Encephalopathy Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from cell-associated neurot... Read more
Reader Questions:
Think Beyond Reimbursement for Z Codes and Medical Necessity
Question: Do Z codes really affect reimbursement, or are they mostly designed to pad ... Read more
Think Beyond Reimbursement for Z Codes and Medical Necessity
Question: Do Z codes really affect reimbursement, or are they mostly designed to pad ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find CERT Info via Hub
Question: Are there any resources available to help folks navigate the Center for Med... Read more
Find CERT Info via Hub
Question: Are there any resources available to help folks navigate the Center for Med... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nucleus Pulposus Removal
Question: A patient with lumbar discitis has a herniated nucleus pulposus at L3-L4; t... Read more
Nucleus Pulposus Removal
Question: A patient with lumbar discitis has a herniated nucleus pulposus at L3-L4; t... Read more
Surgery:
Get Aneurysm Repair Coding Right With These Tips
Complex fixes must meet certain parameters. When a patient experiences an intracranial an... Read more
Get Aneurysm Repair Coding Right With These Tips
Complex fixes must meet certain parameters. When a patient experiences an intracranial an... Read more
Spinal Surgery:
Code Differently for Arthrodesis for Spinal Deformity
Knowledge of deformity types will help, too. When a patient reports to the neurosurgeon f... Read more
Code Differently for Arthrodesis for Spinal Deformity
Knowledge of deformity types will help, too. When a patient reports to the neurosurgeon f... Read more
Modifier Madness:
Avoid These 5 Modifier 59 Errors to Keep Pay Flowing
Plus: Find out the 2024 news that changes one modifier 59 rule. What would you do if 40... Read more
Avoid These 5 Modifier 59 Errors to Keep Pay Flowing
Plus: Find out the 2024 news that changes one modifier 59 rule. What would you do if 40... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose 1 Dx Code for Epilepsy With These Seizures
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from epilepsy that is not i... Read more
Choose 1 Dx Code for Epilepsy With These Seizures
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from epilepsy that is not i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Pump Insertion With This Code
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon inserted an implantable cranial p... Read more
Report Pump Insertion With This Code
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon inserted an implantable cranial p... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Flexibility in Delegating Prior Authorizations
Question: If a patient's prescribed medication needs a prior authorization from their... Read more
Find Flexibility in Delegating Prior Authorizations
Question: If a patient's prescribed medication needs a prior authorization from their... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Medical Identity Theft From Other Types of Fraud
Question: Is medical identity theft a type of fraudulent claim? Minnesota Subscribe... Read more
Distinguish Medical Identity Theft From Other Types of Fraud
Question: Is medical identity theft a type of fraudulent claim? Minnesota Subscribe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multi-Level Spinal Osteotomy
Question: A patient with cervical neuromuscular scoliosis reports to the surgeon for ... Read more
Multi-Level Spinal Osteotomy
Question: A patient with cervical neuromuscular scoliosis reports to the surgeon for ... Read more
Spinal Procedures:
Note Implant Method to Stick Spinal Neurostimulator Claims
Your physician can use 2 different techniques to perform this surgery. When a patient nee... Read more
Note Implant Method to Stick Spinal Neurostimulator Claims
Your physician can use 2 different techniques to perform this surgery. When a patient nee... Read more
Modifier Madness:
Know These Modifier QW Dos and Don’ts
Hint: Check the CLIA list every time you're submitting a new lab test. Some coding modif... Read more
Know These Modifier QW Dos and Don’ts
Hint: Check the CLIA list every time you're submitting a new lab test. Some coding modif... Read more
Compliance:
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEAL... Read more
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEAL... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Alternate Terms for This Radiculopathy Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “brachial neuritis.... Read more
Look to Alternate Terms for This Radiculopathy Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “brachial neuritis.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Guidance Code off This CRPS Injection
Question: A patient who suffers from type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in ... Read more
Leave Guidance Code off This CRPS Injection
Question: A patient who suffers from type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand the Rules on Reinstatement After Exclusion
Question: When an individual is excluded from participating in the Medicare program ... Read more
Understand the Rules on Reinstatement After Exclusion
Question: When an individual is excluded from participating in the Medicare program ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Chiari Syndrome Testing, Coding
Question: A new patient reports to the neurosurgeon with headaches, neck pain, and co... Read more
Chiari Syndrome Testing, Coding
Question: A new patient reports to the neurosurgeon with headaches, neck pain, and co... Read more
Surgery:
Use These Tips for Successful Corpectomy Claims
Know that approach is vital to coding. Patients reporting to the surgeon for vertebral co... Read more
Use These Tips for Successful Corpectomy Claims
Know that approach is vital to coding. Patients reporting to the surgeon for vertebral co... Read more
Telehealth:
Perfect Your Telehealth Reporting With This FAQ
Use this advice to answer future questions. Most practices have seen an uptick in telehea... Read more
Perfect Your Telehealth Reporting With This FAQ
Use this advice to answer future questions. Most practices have seen an uptick in telehea... Read more
Technology:
Evaluate Your Claims Before Submission by Adding AI to Your Revenue Cycle
Let AI handle simple coding cases to improve productivity. Healthcare has enjoyed a front... Read more
Evaluate Your Claims Before Submission by Adding AI to Your Revenue Cycle
Let AI handle simple coding cases to improve productivity. Healthcare has enjoyed a front... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember to Code Meningitis Cause
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed an evaluation and manag... Read more
Remember to Code Meningitis Cause
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed an evaluation and manag... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Type for Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Question: When a patient suffers from an Arnold-Chiari type 1 brain compression, how ... Read more
Know Type for Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Question: When a patient suffers from an Arnold-Chiari type 1 brain compression, how ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Define Stable Condition
Question: Is there any difference between a chronic condition and a stable condition... Read more
Define Stable Condition
Question: Is there any difference between a chronic condition and a stable condition... Read more
You Be the Coder:
LITT With Multiple Trajectories
Question: The surgeon decides to perform laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) on... Read more
LITT With Multiple Trajectories
Question: The surgeon decides to perform laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) on... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Take This Avice to Correctly Code TBI Dx
Knowing diffuse, focal TBI definitions critical. Patients reporting to the surgeon with s... Read more
Take This Avice to Correctly Code TBI Dx
Knowing diffuse, focal TBI definitions critical. Patients reporting to the surgeon with s... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
TBI Surgery Depends on Injury Specifics
TBI treatments range from medication to major surgery. When a patient suffers a traumatic... Read more
TBI Surgery Depends on Injury Specifics
TBI treatments range from medication to major surgery. When a patient suffers a traumatic... Read more
Compliance:
Final Rule Aims to Improve Interoperability and Access to Care
Plus: Feds finalize new API requirements and a MIPS measure, too. After the pandemic reve... Read more
Final Rule Aims to Improve Interoperability and Access to Care
Plus: Feds finalize new API requirements and a MIPS measure, too. After the pandemic reve... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Complication Dx As Specific As Possible
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involvin... Read more
Make Complication Dx As Specific As Possible
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involvin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand These CMN Basics
Question: My billing supervisor erased data that the doctor wrote on a certificate of... Read more
Understand These CMN Basics
Question: My billing supervisor erased data that the doctor wrote on a certificate of... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Ups Conversion Factor … Slightly
Question: Has there been any change to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) con... Read more
Medicare Ups Conversion Factor … Slightly
Question: Has there been any change to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) con... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Careful With Complexity for Undiagnosed Condition
Question: Does an undiagnosed new problem with uncertain diagnosis automatically mea... Read more
Be Careful With Complexity for Undiagnosed Condition
Question: Does an undiagnosed new problem with uncertain diagnosis automatically mea... Read more
You Be the Coder:
I&D of Spinal Osteomyelitis
Question: Encounter notes indicate that during an office evaluation and management (E... Read more
I&D of Spinal Osteomyelitis
Question: Encounter notes indicate that during an office evaluation and management (E... Read more
News You Can Use:
CPT® Clarifies New Unlisted Procedure Guidelines
Do you know you can report multiple unlisted procedures? In a recent CPT® Assistant arti... Read more
CPT® Clarifies New Unlisted Procedure Guidelines
Do you know you can report multiple unlisted procedures? In a recent CPT® Assistant arti... Read more
Surgery:
Code Correctly by Knowing Conditions for Craniotomy/Craniectomy
Do you know why the surgeon would perform amygdalohippocampectomy? When a patient under... Read more
Code Correctly by Knowing Conditions for Craniotomy/Craniectomy
Do you know why the surgeon would perform amygdalohippocampectomy? When a patient under... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Know Options for Optimal Scoliosis Tx Coding
Remember, a back brace might be used to lessen the condition. Patients that report to you... Read more
Know Options for Optimal Scoliosis Tx Coding
Remember, a back brace might be used to lessen the condition. Patients that report to you... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When to Code for Gill-Type Laminectomy
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed “laminectomy, Gill t... Read more
Know When to Code for Gill-Type Laminectomy
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed “laminectomy, Gill t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the 5 Levels of Medicare Appeals
Question: I filed a claim for a Medicare Part B patient with my Medicare Administrati... Read more
Know the 5 Levels of Medicare Appeals
Question: I filed a claim for a Medicare Part B patient with my Medicare Administrati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Details on CSF Leak Location to Nail Dx
Question: If a patient suffers from a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, how should I ch... Read more
Use Details on CSF Leak Location to Nail Dx
Question: If a patient suffers from a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, how should I ch... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get Your Codes in Order for This Trauma Scenario
Question: A 25-year-old snowboarder accidentally encounters an obstacle, resulting in... Read more
Get Your Codes in Order for This Trauma Scenario
Question: A 25-year-old snowboarder accidentally encounters an obstacle, resulting in... Read more
Skull Surgery:
Get Details Before Coding These Infant Operations
Do you know that craniomegalic skull is present at birth? Neurosurgery is always a delica... Read more
Get Details Before Coding These Infant Operations
Do you know that craniomegalic skull is present at birth? Neurosurgery is always a delica... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Dig Deeper for Other Spondylopathy Dx
Here's why you need to mind particulars when using this ‘general' code set. Consideri... Read more
Dig Deeper for Other Spondylopathy Dx
Here's why you need to mind particulars when using this ‘general' code set. Consideri... Read more
E/M Coding:
Review New-ish Hospital Coding Rules for Complete Compliance
Remember, observation and initial hospital care share codes now. In the last few years, C... Read more
Review New-ish Hospital Coding Rules for Complete Compliance
Remember, observation and initial hospital care share codes now. In the last few years, C... Read more
Reader Questions:
Separate Superficial/Deep Implant Removals
Question: The surgeon removed a patient's buried wire skull implant that they did not... Read more
Separate Superficial/Deep Implant Removals
Question: The surgeon removed a patient's buried wire skull implant that they did not... Read more
Reader Questions:
Differentiate Between CPS/Fibromyalgia
Question: The surgeon treated a patient suffering from central pain syndrome (CPS). F... Read more
Differentiate Between CPS/Fibromyalgia
Question: The surgeon treated a patient suffering from central pain syndrome (CPS). F... Read more
Reader Questions:
Details Needed for This Opioid Injection Encounter
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed a therapeutic spinal op... Read more
Details Needed for This Opioid Injection Encounter
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed a therapeutic spinal op... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Subtemporal Cranial Decompression
Question: A new patient with normal-pressure hydrocephalus reports to the surgeon. Af... Read more
Subtemporal Cranial Decompression
Question: A new patient with normal-pressure hydrocephalus reports to the surgeon. Af... Read more
2024 MPFS:
CMS, CPT® Seeing Eye-to-Eye on Split/Shared Visits
See how the change will affect MDM scoring. It's 2024, and here's some good news to start... Read more
CMS, CPT® Seeing Eye-to-Eye on Split/Shared Visits
See how the change will affect MDM scoring. It's 2024, and here's some good news to start... Read more
Quick Coding Corner:
Consider This Detailed Osteotomy Report
Don't forget to code for arthrodesis. In last month's issue of Neurosurgery Coding Alert,... Read more
Consider This Detailed Osteotomy Report
Don't forget to code for arthrodesis. In last month's issue of Neurosurgery Coding Alert,... Read more
Surgery:
Go Beyond Open/Closed Question on Vertebral Fx Fixes
Anatomy, grafting are also issues when coding these repairs. When a patient with a verteb... Read more
Go Beyond Open/Closed Question on Vertebral Fx Fixes
Anatomy, grafting are also issues when coding these repairs. When a patient with a verteb... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Code All Fatigue Syndromes the Same
Question: Are all fatigue syndromes the same, for diagnosis purposes? For example, if... Read more
Don’t Code All Fatigue Syndromes the Same
Question: Are all fatigue syndromes the same, for diagnosis purposes? For example, if... Read more
Reader Questions:
Locate Anatomical Spot Before Choosing Neuroplasty Code
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed a neuroplasty. How shou... Read more
Locate Anatomical Spot Before Choosing Neuroplasty Code
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed a neuroplasty. How shou... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Unlisted Codes for This Facet Joint Destruction
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed destruction of a singl... Read more
Look to Unlisted Codes for This Facet Joint Destruction
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed destruction of a singl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code for Laterality on Stroke Dx
Question: I'm new to neurosurgery coding, and I was wondering if you could offer tips... Read more
Code for Laterality on Stroke Dx
Question: I'm new to neurosurgery coding, and I was wondering if you could offer tips... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diagnosing Embolic Cerebellar Abscess
Question: Notes indicate that the surgeon performed a level four office evaluation an... Read more
Diagnosing Embolic Cerebellar Abscess
Question: Notes indicate that the surgeon performed a level four office evaluation an... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
CPT® 2025 Puts New Ablation, Thoracic Block Codes on Tap
Code represents MRI/US combo. CPT® has released its list of new, revised, and deleted co... Read more
CPT® 2025 Puts New Ablation, Thoracic Block Codes on Tap
Code represents MRI/US combo. CPT® has released its list of new, revised, and deleted co... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Get Your Claim to Flower With POTS Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “POTS.” I'm not re... Read more
Get Your Claim to Flower With POTS Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “POTS.” I'm not re... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Assessing Patient for TBI
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the neurosurgeon treated a new patient who ha... Read more
Assessing Patient for TBI
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the neurosurgeon treated a new patient who ha... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Sweat the Details on These Meningitis Diagnoses
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “meningitis due to hemo f... Read more
Sweat the Details on These Meningitis Diagnoses
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “meningitis due to hemo f... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Abscess and Granuloma? There’s a Code for That
Question: If a patient suffers from an intracranial abscess and granuloma, should I report... Read more
Abscess and Granuloma? There’s a Code for That
Question: If a patient suffers from an intracranial abscess and granuloma, should I report... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Know the Steps to Code Hydrocephalus Treatment With Confidence
Provider will likely use E/M, imaging to diagnose condition. Patients sufferi... Read more
Know the Steps to Code Hydrocephalus Treatment With Confidence
Provider will likely use E/M, imaging to diagnose condition. Patients sufferi... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Documentation Details Are Vital on These Neurological Diagnoses
Some codes include character options for laterality and anatomy. One of the most importan... Read more
Documentation Details Are Vital on These Neurological Diagnoses
Some codes include character options for laterality and anatomy. One of the most importan... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Count Segments on Osteotomy Claim
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the neurosurgeon treated a patient with thoracic p... Read more
Count Segments on Osteotomy Claim
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the neurosurgeon treated a patient with thoracic p... Read more
Neurosurgery Coding:
Keep Hematoma, Seroma Straight With This Dx Advice
Question: While recovering from a craniotomy, the patient suffers a “brain hematoma,” ... Read more
Keep Hematoma, Seroma Straight With This Dx Advice
Question: While recovering from a craniotomy, the patient suffers a “brain hematoma,” ... Read more