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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Obstetrics:
Ace Twin Delivery Claims With Answers to Your 4 Toughest Questions
ICD-10: Find out why you'll have to make a "O" versus "0" distin... Read more
Bone Density:
77080: 3 Tips Make Bone Density Coding a Snap
Check your LCDs to see if coverage is once every 2 years.If you find tracking Medicare's D... Read more
Teaching Physician Services:
Modifiers GE and GC Take Charge of Coding Teaching Physician Services
Here's which modifier to use for the primary-care exception.You can ensure that your ob-gy... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Sure You've Got Well-Documented Adhesions
Question: My ob-gyn performed an "operative laparoscopy adhesiolysis, abdominal myomectomy... Read more
Reader Questions:
How to Report an ED Visit During Pregnancy
Question: A pregnant patient presents in the emergency department (ED) during her pregna... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Your Dx After Cancer Surgery
Question: When can we bill a visit after a surgery for cancer? Our understanding is that w... Read more
Reader Questions:
No Need for Ob-Gyn's Presence on TC/26 Code
Question: We're charging for a fetal non-stress test (NST). Is it OK if the obgyn was not ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Should You Report 57500 or 58558 Cervical Polyp Removal?
Question: During an annual gynecological exam, the physician found a cervical polyp and ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
When Injury Is Ob, Use 59899
Question: Our ob-gyn repaired a vaginal laceration for a patient who is two weeks postpart... Read more
CPT 2011:
G0438, G0439: 5 Tips Show You How to Use Medicare's New Annual Wellness Codes
Bolster your bottom line by finding out what codes you can bill in addition.If you want yo... Read more
CPT 2011:
99224, 99225, 99226 Solve 'Middle Day' Code Dilemma
Observation services expansion eliminates payer coding variation.In 2011, coders will have... Read more
Vaccines:
90655-90660: Use This Chart to Navigate This Season's Flu Codes
Don't fall into this H1N1 vaccine and administration code trap.With flu season getting und... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Slashes 2011 Conversion Factor and Wreaks Havoc on Your Pay
Plus: Learn two new HCPCS codes if your physician performs wellness visits.Get ready for a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Can Provider Change Tax ID?
Question: One of our physicians wants to stop billing under the group's tax ID and start b... Read more
Reader Questions:
Define Postpartum Exam
Question: When we report global ob care, it includes a "postpartum exam." What is the defi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report McCall's Culdoplasty With 57435
Question: My ob-gyn performed a laparoscopic uterosacral plication and a High McCall's cul... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Draw The Line Between 079.4 and 795.05
Question: What is the difference between these two diagnoses: 079.4 and 795.05? The path... Read more
CPT 2011:
99224, 99225, 99226: Get a Sneak Peak of What's New for Ob-gyn Coders in 2011
Heads up: These two deleted codes have replacements.Have you been searching for a code to ... Read more
CPT 2011:
49324, 57155, 90650: Scrap These Old Definitions for New 2011 Descriptors
Details matter when it comes to avoiding a denial.Although at first glance, you'll probabl... Read more
Obstetrics:
59400, 99212, 99213: How to Add Complication Visits To the Global Ob Package
Hint: You can report complications before or after delivery.You can receive increased reim... Read more
OIG Update:
Practices Collected Over $8 Million for Services Rendered After Patients Died
OIG identified massive overpayments for services rendered after patients' dates of death.Y... Read more
Reader Questions:
Symbols and Chart Explain V Code Order
Question: What rules apply to reporting V codes with E/M office visits? Can we report scre... Read more
Reader Questions:
58150: To Cover the Omentectomy and Scrapings, Use Mod 22
Question: My ob-gyn performed the following procedure: "Total abdominal hysterectomy and b... Read more
Reader Questions:
Observe These Observation Code Rules-of-the-Road
Question: I need some clarification on the use of observation codes when my ob-gyn sees a ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
58720: Make Use of Modifiers LT, RT
Question: My ob-gyn performed an exploratory laparotomy, partial left salpingectomy, left ... Read more
ICD-9 2011:
Hot or Not: Take the Temperature of Your Ob-gyn ICD-9 2011 Preparedness with This Quiz
Four scenarios show you where to brush up before Oct. 1 hits. October 1 means it's time t... Read more
Gynecology:
Cut Your Ovarian Cyst CPT Confusion Down to Size
Bonus: Here's the documentation you need for cyst removals. Coding for the removal/excisio... Read more
Preventive Medicine:
Pinpoint the Perfect Preventive Medicine Counseling Code Every Time
Tip: Don't use 99401-99404 if the patient is ill. If you're not reporting preventive medi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Simplify DEXA Screening Issues
Question: If a patient has had DEXA exams for years and our ob-gyn treated her for osteop... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Your Ultrasound Codes In Order Now
Question: My ob-gyn practice has a new ultrasound machine, and I need help with how to bil... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report What Ob-gyn Actually Performed
Question: Our ob-gyn scheduled the patient for the marsupialization of a Bartholin's... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make This Conization Distinction
Question: What is the difference between the 57522 and 57461 conization of cervix excisio... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Get Your Modifier 22, 53 Rules Straight
Question: My ob-gyn performed a partially complete laparoscopic hysterectomy. Then, he co... Read more
Ob Coding:
Fine-Tune Your Twin Delivery, Ultrasound Coding With This Expert Advice
Learn what clues to look for when reporting 76811 and 76812. Do you know how to report... Read more
Coding Quiz:
2 Ob-Gyn Scenarios Evaluate Your E/M Coding Skills
Learn why 'review of systems unremarkable' doesn't make the grade.To avoid incorrectly rep... Read more
News You Can Use:
Shift 90650 HPV Vaccine From 'Pending' to 'Approved' List of Choices
Test yourself: Do you know what the CPT manual 'lightning symbol' means? If Ju... Read more
Put Your E/M Answers to the Test
See how you fared when it comes to choosing codes.After you've read the scenarios carefull... Read more
Reader Questions:
Define Visit by Requirements of Patient
Question:A 21-year-old patient comes in for annual exam. She has never had intercourse and... Read more
Reader Questions:
Highlight These Three LAVH, TLH Differences
Question: What is the difference between 58550 (laparoscopy with vaginal hysterectomy or L... Read more
Reader Questions:
Examine Ovary Along With Dermoid Cyst Removals
Question:What CPT code should I report for the removal of a dermoid cyst via a laparoscope... Read more
Reader Questions:
Any PFSH Item Fulfills Category
Question:When a new patient is seen in our ob-gyn office, the patient is required to fill ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
No Cancer Now? Then Do Not Use Cancer Code
Question:We have a claim for nipple reconstruction the payer is denying. The ob-gyn has pr... Read more
Multiple Gestation:
Crack These Top-3 Multiple Gestation Coding Challenges
Make sure you're reporting the correct amniocentesis code for twins. You may not c... Read more
Lysis of Adhesions:
4 Tips Show You How to Report Extensive Adhesiolysis
Use this modifier for nonincluded lysis -- but only in rare cases.Do you often includ... Read more
Unlisted Procedures:
4 Steps Unlock Ethical Unlisted Procedure Coding Payment
Referencing the nearest equivalent CPT code could be your key to getting paid.When CPT for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Up to Date with CCI 16.2 Edits
Question:Are there any correct coding initiative (CCI) version 16.2 edits our practice sho... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Your US Diagnoses Against This Advice
Question:The ob-gyn routinely performs an ultrasound (US) at 7-9 weeks (76801) to check th... Read more
Gynecology Coding:
3 Steps Erase Coding Mishaps From Your Myomectomy Claims
Find out how the weight of myomas means more than the number of them.Deciding which myomec... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Can You Submit 99000 Medicare Repeat Pap Smears? Find out.
Hint: Abnormal versus insufficient cells mean different diagnosis codes.When a patient ret... Read more
Preventive Services:
Estimate Patient's Fee Using Medicare's "Carve Out" Rule
Applying this modifier alerts Medicare that you know the service isn't covered.To estimate... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Align Your Solutions for Repeat Pap Smear Coding Success
The wrong diagnosis could cost you $40 per patient.Pap smear results can return as abnorma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Note of This Polypectomy, Biopsy Bundle
Question: My ob-gyn performed an endometrial polypectomy in the office. He did not use the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Routine UAs For All Patients May Mean Denials
Question: Does 99396 include 88150 and 81000, or can I separate these services?Michigan Su... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ensure Success With the Essure Procedure
Question: My ob-gyn is doing the Essure procedure now in the office, and the ob-gyn admini... Read more
Reader Questions:
Iron Out Your MTHFR Codes
Question: What is MTHFR, and what codes should I report for it?Texas SubscriberAnswer: MTH... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Descriptor Can Help You Know When Codes Are Bundled
Question: My ob-gyn treated a patient with sudden vaginal delivery (SVD) with a repair o... Read more
ICD-9 2011:
Begin Prepping for New Placenta, Dysplasia, and Uterine Anomaly Diagnoses
One of these new V codes will demonstrate a higher risk of pregnancy complications.Althoug... Read more
Real-Life Coding Scenario:
Failed IUD Insertion? Draw the Line Between Discontinued, Reduced Services
Check out the new diagnosis codes you'll start using this October.When an ob-gyn attempts ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find High Risk Dx Here
Question: The patient is pregnant. What is the diagnosis for high risk issues due to ileoa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Multiple Visits? You Can Report Both -- In This Circumstance
Question: One of our doctors saw a patient in the office (99213) with a diagnosis of pelvi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Language Barrier Doesn't Mean Time Barrier
Question: One of our providers wants to bill a preventive counseling code (99402) with 627... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Attempted D&C Excision Cervical Fibroid
Question: My ob-gyn's documentation states the following: Attempted dilation and curettage... Read more
CCI 16.1:
Seize the Opportunity to Report 0193T -- But Don't Get Tripped Up by These Edits
Overlooking these new Interstim and hemorrhoid destruction bundles could mean denial hea... Read more
Diagnosis challenge:
End Endometrial Thickening Confusion by Crossing Out Hyperplasia
Think you're getting a more specific code in ICD-10? Think again. If you're scratching yo... Read more
Streamline E-Scribe Coding From 3 Codes to 1
2010 brings a new code and a new number to meet if you want your bonus. Physicians who ad... Read more
Reader feedback:
Check Descriptor for Unilateral, Bilateral Before Appending Modifier 52
Have your own success story to share? Email the editor. Over-applying modifier 52 may mea... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier 57 Isn't for Consults Only
Question: In our ob-gyn office, we used to apply modifier 57 to inpatient consult codes. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
You Can Append Mod 25 to Preventive Code
Question: The patient came in for a well woman exam. During this visit, the ob-gyn remove... Read more
Reader Questions:
Same Day 58661, 58862 Reporting? Check Payer Habits
Question: My ob-gyn's documentation shows he laparoscopically removed the patient's fallo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here's How to Report History of Chlamydia
Question: What diagnosis code should I report for a history of Chlamydia? California Subs... Read more
Reader Questions:
Counseling During Preventive Visit? Do This
Question: A new patient came in for her annual well woman exam and during this visit the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
2 Surgeons for TAH and Appendectomy? Look Here
Question: My ob-gyn assisted on a total abdominal hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophore... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Apply Modifier 78 For Delivery and Same-Day Surgery
Question: The patient delivered on the same day as the following surgery: PREOPERATIVE D... Read more
Fibroid Coding Got You Frustrated? 5 Myth Busters Fix Your Claims
Find out what your fibroid diagnosis options are for both ICD-9 and ICD-10. If you'... Read more
Add to Your Ob-gyn Practice's Bottom Line Via PQRI Participation
Medicare again making certain services more valuable ... provided you code properly.... Read more
CMS Speaks:
Weigh Your 2-Payer Consult Coding Options
In MSP cases, non-consult code for both payers may be best. If you have payers who didn't... Read more
Reader Question:
Incident To? Physician Must Be Within the Vicinity
Question: A patient receives chemotherapy in an office setting. Must a supervising physic... Read more
Reader Question:
Optimize Pay by Itemizing Home Delivery Services
Question: The ob-gyn saw a patient who delivered at home. She had second-degree laceratio... Read more
Reader Question:
Stop, Look, and Discuss 793.5 with U/S
Question: The ob-gyn performs hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage (D&C). The pat... Read more
Reader Question:
Master Condylomata Destruction and Excisions
Question: A patient presented with a line of condylomata in the posterior fourchette, ju... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Unlisted Procedure for Vaginoplasty Repair
Question: Our ob-gyn created a neo-vagina for agenesis for a patient. He modifies it six ... Read more
Location and Approach Matter Most for Prolapse Repairs
Pinpoint the coding differences between cystocele, rectocele, and enterocele. Are you con... Read more
Pick Your Pregnant Patient Annual Visit Codes Wisely
Heads up: Pregnancy won't always be your primary diagnosis. The starting line for global ... Read more
3 Criteria Nail Down Your 99211 Payment
Don't leave $19 per visit on the table. If your ob-gyn waives charging for patient visits... Read more
Nix Errors by Taking This Challenge
Beware: Some payers include nurse visit with venipuncture code. Think you've learned how ... Read more
Reader questions:
Find Minimum Attending Ob Visits Under Code Descrip
Question: One of our practice's fellow sees an ob patient for, say, six prenatal visits. ... Read more
Reader questions:
Look for Criteria to Protect Your Consultant Hiring
Question: We have arranged a contract with an infertility specialist. He will be billing ... Read more
Reader questions:
Hang Up On Using Telephone Codes Within 7 Days
Question: Our ob-gyn office does backup for a midwife practice. They referred a patient t... Read more
You be the coder:
Weigh Your Aspiration, Biopsy Options
Question: My ob-gyn aspirated and biopsied an ovarian cyst laparoscopically. I received a... Read more
CCI 16.0:
Perfect Your 2010 Ob-Gyn Claims by Adhering to Hysterectomy Edits and Deletions
Good news: You can bypass IPPE with this modifier. The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) ve... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Pick the Right Diagnosis Code for Postmenopausal Abnormalities
Do N95.0 and N95.2 look foreign? Get your ob-gyn ICD-10 equivalents now. Spare yourself d... Read more
3 Details Narrow Down Your Tubal Ligation Coding Options
Match CPT codes to terms like diathermied, minilap, Pomeroy, and Essure. When a patient n... Read more
Reader Questions:
Decision To Do Pap Smear? Report These Codes
Question: An established Medicare patient comes into the office for a problem visit and t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Break Down This Laparoscopic Surgery
Question: My ob-gyn performed an operative laparoscopy, right salpingo-oophorectomy, left... Read more
Reader Questions:
Laparoscopic to Laparotomy Warrants Mod 22
Question: A provider performed a laparoscopy that he aborted. The procedure turned into a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave Submitting Culture Codes to the Lab
Question: My ob-gyn saw a patient who had pus in the breast and did an incision and drain... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tackle This Twin Amniocentesis Challenge
Question: I know we can report amniocentesis for twins several ways, based on CPT Assista... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Order, Not Implant, Decides Diagnostic vs. Screening
Question: My ob-gyn sees a patient who has breast implants or breast augmentation and ord... Read more
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