Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Well-woman Exam

Published on Thu Dec 20, 2012

Question: Our ob/gyn offices are having problems getting reimbursed for a well-woman exam performed on a patient during her first ob visit. This patient was due for her Pap smear and check-up, but also was newly pregnant. Can we or should we be billing for the well-woman exam? If so, do you suggest any specific coding techniques to help get reimbursed?

Nancy Preheim, Reimbursement Specialist
Unity Physician Billing, Chesterfield, Mo.

Answer: This question poses an interesting dilemma. To code correctly, you have to decide why the patient came to see the physician that day. Did she call to make her first ob appointment because she had a positive pregnancy test, or did she call to make an appointment for her annual exam? In the first instance, she has scheduled ob care. Despite the fact that she may also need a Pap specimen [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

View All