Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Report a Single Fluoroscopy Code
Question: During a major spine surgery, the neurosurgeon used fluoroscopy for four hours. Should I report this as 76000 x 4 units or do I bill 76001 just once? Answer: You should report a single unit of 76001 (Fluoroscopy, physician time more than one hour, assisting a non-radiologic physician [e.g., nephrosto-lithotomy, ERCP, bronchoscopy, transbronchial biopsy]).
Arizona Subscriber
The descriptor for 76001 specifically states "physician time more than one hour" but does not specify a "maximum" number of hours. Therefore, if the physician spends 90 minutes or eight hours, the coding is the same.
Likewise, you should never report multiple units of 76000 (Fluoroscopy [separate procedure], up to one hour physician time, other than 71023 or 71034 [e.g., cardiac fluoroscopy]). Rather, report a single unit of 76000 if the physician provides fluoroscopy for 60 or fewer minutes.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
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Modifiers -25, -51 and -59 SaveSame-Day Services
Append the correct modifier to achieve fair multiple-procedure payment If your neurosurgeon performs two or [...] - You Be the Coder:
'Inter-region' Location a Matter of Interpretation
Question: Would the C7/T1 interspace be considered cervical or thoracic?
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: If the surgeon performed [...] - Quick Quiz:
4 Scenarios Measure Your -25,-51, -59 Knowledge
Take this opportunity to test your abilities by choosing the correct modifier (-25, -51 or [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Report a Single Fluoroscopy Code
Question: During a major spine surgery, the neurosurgeon used fluoroscopy for four hours. Should I [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Fee Schedule Reveals Assistant Surgeon Eligibility
Question: Can we bill for an assistant surgeon when reporting 61751?
Vermont Subscriber
Answer: Yes, you [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 99235 for Physician Who Examines Patient
Question: Dr. Smith was on-call and admitted a patient to the hospital. On the same [...] - 2005 Physician Payments Rise
Expect a 1.5 percent overall increase CMS has unveiled its "Revisions to Payment Policies Under [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Skip -50 for Bilateral Craniotomy
Question: How should I report bilateral frontal craniotomy for evacuation of subdural hematomas? My doctor [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Global Periods Can Vary for Unlisted-Procedure Codes
Question: Does Medicare assign a global period for unlisted-procedure codes? For instance, if the surgeon [...]
