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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Overcome Your Ob Coding Dilemmas and Increase Your Income
Coding expert offers surefire advice for your obstetric coding questionsReporting obstetri... Read more
Use These Tips to Avoid Confusing Consults With Referrals
Difficulty differentiating consults and referrals won't just land you in a heap of denials... Read more
Check Key Documentation Areas for Intrapractice Referrals
Although it's a good idea to check for a request, a written report and a reason for the re... Read more
Reader Question:
Split Ob Care for Multiple Providers
Question: If multiple providers render portions of maternity care for the same patient (fo... Read more
Reader Question:
1 Code Makes or Breaks Cesarean Assistant Claim
Question: How should I bill for an assistant surgeon for a c-section?Tennessee Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Bill Pre-Op Clearance on Auto
Question: When can I bill a consultation for a preoperative clearance? Wyoming Subscriber&... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Careful Using 59200 for Cervidil Induction
Question: When a patient goes in for induction with Cervidil, the ob-gyn is often not sitt... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Your Abortion Terminology
Question: What is the difference between incomplete and missed abortion on treatment like ... Read more
Reader Question:
Physician-Performed Venipuncture Calls for 36410
Question: Would you explain the difference between venipuncture codes 36410 and 36415?Flor... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting 'History Of'
Question: When an obstetric patient has a history of a problem such as placental abruption... Read more
Get Ready for CPT 2004:
Colpopexy and Fetal Surgery Top the List of Procedural Code Changes
CPT 2004 code changes provide needed specificity for fetal surgeries and continue the tren... Read more
2004 Lab Codes Give Infertility Specialists More to Work With
CPT creates whole-new section that includes embryo and oocyte handling Infertility specia... Read more
CPT Has the Aspirin for Your Colpopexy Headache
CPT 2004 adds a new code (57425, Laparoscopy, surgical, colpopexy [suspension of vaginal a... Read more
CPT 2004 Medicine Section Gets Vaccine Update
New Category III codes rely on Gailrisk score CPT 2004 moves to update its vaccine and to... Read more
NCCI 9.3 Bundles Transvaginal Ultrasound
Don't report a nonobstetric transvaginal ultrasound with a complete pelvic ultrasound beca... Read more
Reader Question:
New CPT Section Means Tracking E/M Components
Question: I heard that there's a new code section coming in CPT 2004. What is it and how w... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose -59 for Curettage Bleeding Control
Question: One of our ob-gyns was performing a loop electrosurgical excision procedure with... Read more
Reader Question:
Unlisted-Procedure Code Only Option for McCall Culdoplasty
Question: A patient has a vaginal vault prolapse. The ob-gyn will be doing a laparoscopic ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ovarian Cyst Aspiration
Question: The doctor performed a transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of ovarian cyst... Read more
Don't Short-Change Yourself on Split Antepartum Care
You may have more options than you thinkWhen dividing ob-gyns' roles with split antepartum... Read more
Get the Most Out of First Ob Visit
When you report split antepartum care, where does the initial "pregnancy" visit fall? The ... Read more
Coding for the Essure Procedure Is Not Ensured
Some practices are beginning to offer the Essure implantation to their patients as a form ... Read more
Complete or Incomplete:
The Type of Abortion Makes All the Difference
If you label a nonelective abortion as "complete" or "incomp... Read more
Know Your Abortion Terminology
With so many different types of abortion, knowing the medical terminology is essential to ... Read more
What About Abnormal Products?
Occasionally, a patient enters the exam room unaware that she is pregnant, and the diagnos... Read more
6 Must-Have HIPAA Training Skills
You can have all the HIPAA training in the world, but if you're not enforcing and practici... Read more
Don't Let Home Coding Turn Into a Code Red
Just because you're coding from home doesn't mean you don't have to be HIPAA-compliant.&nb... Read more
12 Ways to Minimize Fax and E-Mail Risks
Expert methods to protect PHI If you want to stay out of the courthouse and the newspaper... Read more
Sample Template:
Fax and E-Mail Confidentiality Disclaimer
Providers who fax or e-mail protected health information should place disclaimers in their... Read more
Reader Question:
You Can Use Male Infertility
Question: Can I use male infertility (606.8) on a claim for a woman's visit? I'm concerned... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier Bypasses Edit for Tube Procedures
Question: The ob-gyn performed a laparoscopic salpingoneostomy and a partial salpingectomy... Read more
Reader Question:
History of Stillbirths Means Reporting a V Code
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for a woman with a history of stillborns and s... Read more
Reader Question:
Use -52 With Preventive Visit for Medicare Only
Question: A 34-year-old patient comes in for her yearly exam, and the doctor finds a breas... Read more
Reader Question:
NST Is for Fetal Monitoring Only
Question: My ob-gyn says he performed a fetal non-stress test (NST) to rule out labor for ... Read more
Reader Question:
Diagnosis Is the Key for 58943
Question: During an open procedure, the doctor performed a left salpingo-oophorectomy, pel... Read more
Reader Question:
Save Yourself Construction Costs
Question: Are there physical barriers available to prevent patients and visitors from view... Read more
You Be the Coder:
What Is the Key to Gartner Duct Cyst Procedure?
Question: Our physician performed a Gartner duct cyst procedure. How should I code this?Ke... Read more
4 Tips Get You Paid for Adhesiolysis
" Ob-gyn coders often include lysis of adhesions in the primary surgery, but you ... Read more
Are You Using Only 256.4 to Report PCOS? Think Again
  Latest on ICD-9 Code Usage for PCOS from Codify's Ob-Gyn ... Read more
Take Steps to Get PCOS Diagnosis Paid
Although payers generally don't pay for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) because they in... Read more
Don't Limit Yourself to 99231 For Subsequent Hospital Care
How you can keep your practice from losing more than $2,400 If you report 99231 for all o... Read more
Reader Question:
Salpingostomy Means 59150
Question: What procedure code should I use for a laparoscopic salpingostomy for an ectop... Read more
Reader Question:
Include Chart Review in E/M
Question: A patient had her past medical records, containing more than 10 years of history... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Only 1 Code for Twins Via C-Section
Question: If the physician delivers twins via cesarean section, should we report 59510 and... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch Your Modifiers for Follow-Up Care
Question: A different ob-gyn group operated on a patient, performing a total abdominal hys... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Dilation and Curettage
Question: The ob-gyn admitted a patient who had dysfunctional vaginal bleeding for three w... Read more
Get Ready for the New Diagnosis Codes
PMDD Tops List of Ob-Gyn ICD-9 Changes for FallWith four significant changes and doz... Read more
New NCCI Takes Aim at Ob Pain Management
New bundles under the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) mean y... Read more
News You Can Use
Good News! You Wont Have to Pay Refunds to MedicareDue to the delayed implementation of th... Read more
Challenge Inappropriate Bundling Edits
If you believe that you must take the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits at... Read more
Reader Question:
2 Lesions? Code for Both
Question: The ob-gyn excised two benign lesions of about the same size (roughly 0.8 cm) fr... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 15839 for Excess Skin Excision
Question: The doctor performed a partial excision of the left labia minora for hypertrophy... Read more
Reader Question:
Work With V Codes for Spontaneous Abortion Aftercare
Question: The ob-gyn saw a patient five weeks after a spontaneous complete abortion. Which... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 2 Codes for Inverted Hat Technique
Question: The physician noted that he performed laser vaporization of the ectocervix under... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill BPP Separately From Ultrasound
Question: If I am performing a complete ultrasound (76805) or a detailed fetal anatomy (76... Read more
Reader Question:
Inpatient or Outpatient Can Make All the Difference
Question: A patient at 39 weeks gestation was admitted to labor and delivery with severe v... Read more
You Be the Coder:
V Codes and Ob Ultrasound
Question: When our fertility patients get pregnant with twins and the ob performs the ul... Read more
Think All You Need for DEXA Scan Reimbursement Is the Proper CPT Code?, Wrong Its All About the Diagnosis
With television commercials asking women if they know their T scores, you can be sure th... Read more
3 Easy Steps to Proper DEXA Scan Diagnosis Coding
To ensure proper diagnosis coding for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, you n... Read more
Op Note Coding Clinic:
Is Coding for Multiple Procedures Confusing You? Learn From This Case Study and Get Full Reimbursement
" Ob-gyns frequently perform more than one procedure during a surgical session, so if you... Read more
News You Can Use:
New V Codes Mean Easier Pay for Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam
Has your Medicare carrier been denying your Pap smear collection (Q0091) and pelvic exam... Read more
Think Youve Made Your Case for Modifier -22? Not if You Havent Done These 5 Things
If you're submitting claims for unusual procedural services without first determi... Read more
Test Yourself:
Opt for -22 Over an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Our physician asks us to report procedures that take extra time and effort wit... Read more
Reader Questions:
2 Options Exist for Reporting Smitt Sleeve
Question: Our gynecologist placed a Smitt sleeve so the radiation oncologist could inser... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Modifier -22 for Laceration
Question: Can I add modifier -22 to a global ob code for a third-degree laceration?Washing... Read more
Reader Questions:
Carrier Policies Determine Pay for Prenatal Visits
Question: We saw a patient for 15 prenatal visits. Two of the visits were for complication... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Your Options for NSTs
Question: My ob-gyn indicated he performed two fetal non-stress tests (NSTs) for a patient... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember, Not All Surgeries Are Co-Surgeries
Question: Our ob-gyn worked with a gynecologic oncologist to perform a radical abdominal h... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ob Ultrasound the Only Option for Pregnant Patient
Question: A patient who had been on Clomid came in very early during her pregnancy for a t... Read more
Reader Questions:
49320 Includes Diagnostic Laparoscopy and More
Question: How should I code for a diagnostic laparoscopy with irrigation of serosanguineou... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose Your Coding Poison Based on Documentation
Question: How should I decide whether managing excessive bleeding that requires extra ph... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Billing for Fetal Demise
Question: After 20 weeks, a patient delivered, but it was a fetal demise. Can we bill for ... Read more
Diagnostic vs. Screening Mammograms:
One Simple Question Is the Key to Ensure Proper Coding for This Essential Service
When reporting mammograms, determining whether to bill for a screening or diagnostic... Read more
Mammogram Coding Quiz
Test your coding abilities. Review the following clinical circumstances to determine i... Read more
6 Scenarios Help You Nail Observation Care Coding
Although observation care coding can be complicated and frustrating, you shouldn't ove... Read more
Modifiers -78 and -79:
Get the Payment You Deserve When You Go Back to the OR
If an ob-gyn patient has to return to the operating room for additional treatment duri... Read more
Reader Question :
ABN Saves the Day for Category III Code
Question: We have started billing for speculoscopy with 0031T, and we got our first de... Read more
Reader Question :
Eight Hours Required to Report Observation
Question: My ob-gyn admits patients for observation, but the patients occasionally sta... Read more
Reader Question :
Modifier -51 Is the Key
Question: The ob-gyn performed an anteroposterior colporrhaphy, Burch urethropexy... Read more
Reader Question :
Charge for Additional Surgery During C-Section
Question: During a cesarean section, my ob-gyn repaired the rectus abdominus muscles... Read more
Reader Question :
Diagnosis Codes Critical for Annual Exam
Question: Our ob-gyn saw a Medicare patient for an annual exam with a Pap smear collec... Read more
Reader Question :
Bill for IUD Removal
Question: My ob-gyn inserted an intrauterine device (IUD) more than a year ago and cha... Read more
Reader Question :
Prepare Lysis of Adhesions Claim Carefully
Question: The ob-gyn performed difficult open laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubatio... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Delivery With Forceps
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
New CCI Takes Aim at Colposcopy and Biopsy Coding for Ob-Gyns
The latest version of the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) co... Read more
Dont Throw Away Your Ob-Gyns Time:
: Report Well-Woman Exams and Problem-Oriented E/Ms Separately
You could be throwing away roughly $36 every time your patient presents for a well-wom... Read more
Reader Question:
Alpha Interferon Coding Depends on Site
Question: Our ob-gyn injected Alpha Interferon, which the patient supplied, into six s... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Complications as Symptoms Until Diagnosed
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I use for hematuria as a complication of p... Read more
Reader Question:
Conization Includes ECC
Question: Our ob-gyns routinely perform a cold knife cone biopsy followed by an endoce... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 57155 for Needle Placement
Question: Which code should we use for the actual placement of the needles for brachyt... Read more
Reader Question:
Primary Diagnosis Key When Reporting Biliary Colic
Question: The ob-gyn admitted a pregnant patient to the hospital for a short stay beca... Read more
Reader Question:
Q Codes Generally for Medicare Only
Question: Which CPT code should I use to report a pelvic exam, or is it included in th... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 76815 for Pregnancy Confirmation Ultrasound
Question: A patient came in for a pregnancy confirmation. We reported a 99212 E/M visi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Biopsy Without Colposcopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more
New Myomectomy Codes Require Complete Documentation to Ensure Proper Payment
Reviewed on May 20, 2015 The number and weight of excised myomas are the keys to repor... Read more
Whats in a Name?:
3 Types of Leiomyomas Can Make Or Break Your Myomectomy Coding
Ob-gyns commonly use the term "leiomyoma" to denote benign (noncancerou... Read more
Multiple Gestation Pregnancy:
Your Coding Can Mean Extra Pay If Youre Doing It Right
In this age of fertility-enhancing medications and artificial insemination, multip... Read more
News Brief:
Ob-Gyn Reimbursement Will Go Up 1.6 Percent in 2003
Ob-gyns won't be facing the more than 4 percent decrease originally planned for 2003... Read more
Dont Let Time and Reimbursement Slip Away When Reporting Adolescent Exams
When an adolescent patient who is 12 to 17 years old sees a gynecologist... Read more
Protect Against Denials With Proper Contraceptive Coding
When adolescents visit gynecologists for contraceptive services, you'll need to reme... Read more
Test Yourself:
Coding Adolescent Reproductive Health Visits
How much have you learned about the critical aspects of coding adolescent gynecologi... Read more
Correction:
Correction:
  The Reader Question "One Visit Does Not Equal Global Ob" in the Janua... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider Ob-Gyns Intent When Coding Ultrasounds
Question: Two of our physicians routinely scan fetuses in the third trimester (32-36... Read more
Reader Question:
Options Exist for Coding Graft With Colporrhaphy
Question: While treating patients for prolapse and stress incontinence (57260, 57282 a... Read more
Reader Question:
Medicare Likely Wont Pay for Male Mammograms
Question: An ob-gyn ordered a screening mammogram for a male Medicare patient with a f... Read more
Reader Question:
Induction Is Part of the Global Ob Period
Question: We had an overdue patient admitted to the hospital for induction. But she ha... Read more
Reader Question:
Diagnosis Code Is Key to Enterocele Repair
Question: How should I report a total abdominal hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy an... Read more
Reader Question:
3 Options Exist for Coding Essure
Question: We would like to start using the Essure procedure, but how should we code ... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Sonogram With Positive Pregnancy Test
Question: A new 16-year-old patient had a positive pregnancy test at home. She came ... Read more
Reader Question:
Report E/M With Treatment for Incomplete Abortion
Question: While in the emergency department (ED), our gynecologist saw a 17-year-o... Read more
Reader Question:
Document Time for Emergency Contraception
Question: A 17-year-old established patient who was not using birth control recently... Read more
Reader Question:
PA Performs Biopsy
Question: A physician assistant (PA) in our practice recently performed a colposcopy... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 99211 for Contraceptive Injections
Question: When a patient comes in for injections of Depo-Provera or Lupron and the d... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for Depo-Provera
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
Anatomy Is the Key to Breaking Down the Five New Ultrasound Codes
If you think that all of your practice's obstetric ultrasounds are... Read more
New Codes for Ob Ultrasounds
76801 Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and ma... Read more
4 Keys to More Effective Ob-Gyn Coding with Modifier -22
Although Medicare has cracked down on what it calls the improper use of modifier -22... Read more
You Will Need Extra Documentation with Modifier -22
Because most carriers require fairly detailed documentation when filing a claim with m... Read more
New NPP Rules Affect Inpatient E/M Billing
A recent CMS memorandum means that you may be able to report nonphysician practition... Read more
Correction
The December 2002 Ob-Gyn Coding Alert Extra article "Know the Codes for Hysteroscop... Read more
Reader Question:
Report D&C and Diagnostic Laparoscopy Separately
Question: Our ob-gyn performed a diagnostic laparoscopy and dilation and curettage (D&... Read more
Reader Question:
Unlisted-Procedure Code May Be Only Choice
Question: Two weeks after undergoing a vaginal hysterectomy, a patient presented wit... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Use Modifier with 59430
Question: When reporting 59430, should I attach modifier -55? One insurance carrier re... Read more
Reader Question:
Still Report Supply If Injection Stopped
Question: A patient came in for an injection. The nurse drew the medication and was pr... Read more
Reader Question:
Separate Birth Control from Postpartum Care
Question: During a postpartum visit, the patient wants the physician to insert an intr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Fetus Screening
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more
CCI Update:
Version 9.0 Incorporates New Codes and New Edits for Ob-Gyns
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI), which took effect Jan. 1, includes some minor add... Read more
Ob-Gyns Can Expect Reduced Medicare Payments in 2003
CMS reduced the national Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor from $36.1992 in 2... Read more
Understanding CCI Mutually Exclusive DesignationIs Critical
Because the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 9.0 adds a significant number of... Read more
News Brief:
OIG 2003 Work Plan Focuses on E/M and Incident-to Services
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) plans ... Read more
Reader Question:
Three Choices for Deferred Pap Smear
Question: A patient is scheduled for an annual examination but presents with her mense... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Wet Mounts Separately
Question: Are wet mounts bundled into E/M services? For example, a patient presents wi... Read more
Reader Question:
Reporting Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes
Question: What is the current diagnosis code for spontaneous rupture of memb... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier Key for E/M and D&C on Same Date
Question: Can I bill for an office visit and a suction dilation and curettage (D&C... Read more
Reader Question:
Use V Code for Poor Obstetric History
Question: We need to send a patient out for a fetal echocardiogram because her first c... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -59 May Be Better Option
Question: Medicare is denying our claims that contain 76092 and 76092-76. Is there a b... Read more
Reader Question:
Report D&C With Hysteroscopy
Question: During a visit to our office, a patient had a diagnostic hysteroscopy. Whe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Delivery Includes Episiotomy Repair
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Two Codes Are the Keys to Reporting New Endometrial Ablation Techniques
" New methods for endometrial ablation are here or on th... Read more
Know the Treatment Options for Endometrial Ablation
Knowing the new treatment options for endometrial ablation will allow you to more cl... Read more
Clear Up Confusion About Cord Blood Harvesting
Although more and more expectant mothers request that their ob-gyns collect cord blood... Read more
Know Your Endometrial Terminology
The following definitions are found in Stedman's Medical Dictionary (Lippincott, Wil... Read more
Clarification:
Using Vital Signs for Examination or Review of Systems
A few readers have asked for clarification of a coding tip that appeared as part of th... Read more
Reader Question:
Ligation Complicates Laparoscopic LSO
Question: What is the procedure code for laparo-scopic left salpingo-oophorectomy ... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Each Aspect of Multiple Procedures
Question: How should I code the following: diagnostic laparoscopy open, explorat... Read more
Reader Question:
Endometrioma Resection Includes Laparoscopy
Question: My ob-gyn performed a laparoscopy, exploratory laparotomy and left ovarian... Read more
Reader Question:
McCall Coding Presents Options
Question: My ob-gyn performed a vaginal hysterectomy with anteroposterior repair, McCa... Read more
Reader Question:
Exact Coding Is Key for Multiple Procedures
Question: The physician performed an exploratory laparotomy with lysis of adhesions, l... Read more
Reader Question:
Preventive Care Codes Include Counseling
Question: A patient came in for her annual exam and spent additional time with the phy... Read more
Reader Question:
One Visit Does Not Equal Global Ob
Question: We have an ob patient who had only one visit with our physician before she d... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Modifiers Make the Difference for Twin Amnio
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more
Available Years:  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998