Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
You'll Likely Appeal Laparotomy Sterilization
Question: How should I report a tubal sterilization via laparotomy? The patient cannot have the laparoscopic procedure because she has massive adhesions. Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Generally, you will report this procedure with 58600 (Ligation or transection of fallopian tube[s], abdominal or vaginal approach, unilateral or bilateral) or 58615 (Occlusion of fallopian tube[s] by device [e.g., band, clip, Falope ring] vaginal or suprapubic approach). And, if the adhesions are indeed massive and documented in the patient record, you can submit 58740 (Lysis of adhesions [salpingolysis, ovariolysis]) in addition to the tubal. Keep in mind that some payers consider 58615 a 23-hour code, meaning they will reimburse for an inpatient stay of only 23 hours. Consequently, you may have to appeal this claim and include the ob-gyn's documentation to ensure proper payment.
Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
- Prepare Yourself for Monumental ICD-9 Changes
New codes for Pap smear results, endometrial hyperplasia and genital prolapse mean more specificity With [...] - New V-Code Changes Mean More Patient History
HRT and organ absence top list of new ICD-9 V codes ICD-9's new V codes, [...] - News You Can Use:
More Frequent ICD-9 Changes Headed Your Way
HHS will release new ICD-9 codes bi-annually beginning next year Beginning in 2005, you can [...] - Assess Your Risk Level to Avoid E/M Downcoding
You might be losing $15 for each outpatient visit If you're not sure how to [...] - You Be the Coder:
What Does 90782 Include?
Question: I understand that 90782 includes an E/M visit. But what if the patient has [...] - Reader Question:
99211 Must Include Minimal Service
Question: Our nurses mark 99211 for all labs and most injections. They believe that if [...] - Clarification
The July 2004 Ob-Gyn Coding Alert article "Solutions to Your Top-5 Multiple Gestation Coding Questions" [...] - Reader Question:
Use 2 Units for Twin NSTs
Question: Can I bill two or more units for a fetal non-stress test (NST) during [...] - Reader Question:
Know Your 5th Digit for Antepartum Care
Question: When reporting 59425 and 59426, should I use delivery or antepartum ICD-9 codes when [...] - Reader Question:
Ob-Gyn Decides 56501 or 56515
Question: What is the difference between 56501 and 56515? Does a certain number of lesions [...] - Reader Question:
You'll Likely Appeal Laparotomy Sterilization
Question: How should I report a tubal sterilization via laparotomy? The patient cannot have the [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Use Modifiers for Unlisteds
Question: I understand that I should use 58578 for a laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy, but I'm [...] - Reporting Related Codes? Use Modifiers -59 And -51 to Keep Claims Clear
Modifier -59 is for procedures you would not normally report together When a patient requires [...] - YOU BE THE EXPERT:
Are Dilations and Ablations Separately Reportable?
Question: The ob-gyn performed endometrial ablation on a patient after performing cervical dilation on her [...] - Reader Question:
Check CPT for Modifier -51 Exemptions
Question: Do I have to use modifier -51 every time I code a visit in [...]
