Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

These instruction changes aim to answer common infusion admin questions. At first glance, the CPT® 2012 manual seems to present a completely overhauled set of infusion administration guidelines. But if you're confused about what exactly is new, you aren't alone. Good news: The guideline revisions fall more under the category of "clarification" than under the category of "change," says Kelly Loya, CPC-I, CHC, CPhT, manager for Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting Inc., a reimbursement services division of Altegra Health. For example, "it provides clarified language regarding when hydration can be billed and how dates of service during an overnight outpatient hospital stay for observation should be reported." So the 2012 guidelines bring better direction supporting what practices should have been doing all along. The revisions offer a great incentive to review the guidelines, check them against your own coding, and make any adjustments needed to ensure clean, compliant claims. Several highlights are [...]