Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

5 Tips Increase Your Coding Precision for Intracavitary Chemotherapy
Your guide to the correct code is the site, not the duration, of chemotherapy. When yo... Read more
Prepare for Detailed Coding for Acute DVT in 2014
Laterality is your guide to the best DVT code. Coding for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) i... Read more
Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cancer Patients
Your oncologist may frequently diagnose a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in cancer patients.... Read more
CPT® 2014:
Assess These Opportunities to Use New Phone/Internet Consult Codes
When reporting 99446-99449, focus on time spent and ensure both verbal and written repor... Read more
Reader Question:
Check for Site of Sezary Disease
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for Sezary’s disease? Florida Subsc... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Diagnosis Confirmed in Pathology Report
Question: We need to report a diagnosis of gastric cancer. The biopsy report states inva... Read more
Reader Question:
Code for Thyroid Tumors as Benign or Malignant
Question: Our oncologist confirmed the diagnosis of a follicular neoplasm of the thyroid... Read more
Reader Question:
Microinvasion Implies Malignancy
Question: The patient’s clinical note states a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in si... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Question: How is a bone marrow aspiration different from a bone marrow biopsy? Ohio Su... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Neuroendocrine Tumors with Accuracy
Question: Our oncologist has documented the diagnosis as ‘well differentiated neur... Read more
HCPCS:
Avoid These Common J9310 and J9035 Mistakes to Safeguard Your Claims
Don’t forget to convert milligrams to units to capture every dollar you deserve. ... Read more
ICD-10-CM Update:
Ace Reporting Angiodysplasia of the Colon
Confirm the presence of hemorrhage to get to the right code. Your oncologist will ofte... Read more
Tips Help You Simplify Your Radiation Treatment Plan Coding
Complexity of planning is your guide to the right code. When reporting radiation treat... Read more
Reader Question:
You Can Report 453.41 and 453.42 Together
Question: A patient whom our oncologist was treating has developed a partially occlusive... Read more
Reader Question:
Earn Reimbursement for Incomplete Infusions
Question: About 30 minutes after starting taxol administration for a patient, the nurse ... Read more
Reader Question:
Check for Noncovered Services Prior to Rendering Care
Question: Benign lesion excisions are not covered by our state Medicaid. We have been lo... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Mesna with Chemotherapy
Question: Our oncologist mentioned mesna administration on the clinical note for the che... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code for Primary and Metastatic Foci
Question: Our oncologist has documented a primary lung cancer along with lung metastasis... Read more
CPT® 2014:
Breast Localization Devices And Biopsy Get New Codes In 2014
Keep your focus on the type of image guidance used. Your coding for breast procedures ... Read more
Basics of Breast Localization Device
A breast localization device is a wire, needle, clip, or pellet that helps to mark the l... Read more
Catch These Clues To Correct Coding for FNA and PNB
Don’t assume that all sample specimen retrievals are the same. CPT® provides... Read more
Ace Your Porokeratotic Lesion Removals With This Advice
You select from 11055, 11420, or 17110 depending upon the method used. Your oncologist... Read more
What are porokeratotic lesions and can these be malignant?
Porokeratotic lesions are a manifestation of disordered keratinization in the skin. Thes... Read more
Reader Question:
Turn To 55876 for Gold Seed Marker Placement
Question: How do we report for a gold seed marker placement for future Cyberknife surgery?... Read more
Reader Question:
Only One Unit of IMRT Delivery in Same Session
Question: Can we charge for more than one 77014 when doing Intensity modulated radi... Read more
Reader Question:
POS 11 Is For Office Based Services
Question: What Place of Service do we use when a physician from our office examines... Read more
You Be the Coder:
You Have a Specific Code for Cord Blood Harvesting
Question: Our oncologist successfully treated a patient for leukemia who later delivered... Read more
Add Accuracy To Your Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy Coding
Tip: Keep focus on push, pump, and infusion. When reporting treatment of primary live... Read more
Apply Top 3 Winning Strategies for Vulvar Lesion Coding
Key: Look for lesion type, size along with margins excised, and any closure work. When... Read more
ICD-10:
Navigate Your Way To The Right Neurofibromatosis Codes
Look for skin changes, hearing loss to ascertain the type of disease. When reporting n... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch Before You Report Second Unit of 77295
Question: A patient who was in treatment with our oncologist is now diagnosed with bone ... Read more
Reader Question:
Append modifier 50 for bilateral lymphadenectomy
Question: Our physician did a bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, including external iliac... Read more
Reader Question:
Do Not Report Post-Procedure Mammogram with Breast Biopsy
Question: Our physician performed a breast biopsy and placed a metallic localization cli... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Keep Precise Documentation for Herceptin
Question: We need to report the administration of Herceptin by our physician. Please gui... Read more
Tips Point the Way To Thyroid Nodule Fine Needle Claims Success
Check for biopsy, append needed modifiers, and count units. When reporting fine needle... Read more
Follow These Tips To Report Ultrasound Evaluation Of Urological Malignancy
Learn when to report ‘complete’ vs ‘limited’ evaluation. The e... Read more
Brush Up On These Urology Basics
Knowing which parts of that urinary system anatomy your oncologist is focusing on will l... Read more
ICD-10:
Multiple Myeloma Has No Multiple Options
Look for a one-to-one match for all codes. ICD-9-CM offers simple coding options for m... Read more
Reader Question:
S8080 Is Accepted by Limited Payers for MBI
Question: Which codes apply to molecular breast imaging? Codify Member Answer: For... Read more
Reader Question:
Divided Dose May Need Payer Guidance
Question: What is the guidance for billing injections when one dose is split into two sy... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Try to Report Prescription Writing Only
Question: Is there a code specific to writing a prescription? Illinois Subscriber ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
J7178 Introduces Change In Units You Report
Question: How do we report the supply when the patient receives a human fibrinogen injec... Read more
Coding Edits:
+96361 Denial Snafu Will Be Fixed by July, Says Medicare
Pinpoint the troublemaker that’s causing hydration coding frustration. Oncol... Read more
CCI:
3 Tables Affect Medicare Reimbursement for Your Add-On Code Claims
CMS encourages local payers to create their own lists for Types II and III. In an effo... Read more
CPT® Updates:
Transitional Care Management and Breast Biopsy May See Code Changes in the New Year
Get a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2014. You may not have given CPT® 20... Read more
Frequency Edits:
Medicare's New MUEs Check Date-of-Service Totals
Put the appeals process to work when medical necessity supports your claim. Medically ... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Add ALK Requirement to Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Coding in 2014
Choosing your fifth character requires a little more detective work under the new code s... Read more
Reader Question:
36592 Is OK When Chemo Is Postponed
Question: A patient presents for chemotherapy. The nurse draws blood via the PICC for la... Read more
Reader Question:
96402 Requires Injection Administration
Question: Can you give some examples of when to use 96402? Iowa Subscriber Answer:... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Do 2 Trips Allow 2 Initial Codes?
Question: We had a Medicare patient who received chemotherapy infusions in the morning a... Read more
HCPCS Update:
Prepare for Medicare's July Coverage Changes to Zometa and Doxil Codes
Add 2 new Q codes to your system to keep your coding compliant. The July 2013 HCPCS up... Read more
HCPCS 2014:
Scope Out the Top 10 HCPCS Changes That Could Be Coming Your Way
If your practice is using Zaltrap or Kyprolis, stay tuned for coding updates. The proc... Read more
J9355:
Palmetto Offers Advice on Keeping Herceptin Claims Simple
Overdoing the attachments will slow down processing time. Palmetto GBA is urging its p... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
C56.- Range Offers Distinct Left and Right Ovary Neoplasm Options
Check the index before reporting carcinoma in situ. You can expect to have a few more ... Read more
News You Can Use:
May 1 Is NOT the Start Date for Ordering/Provider Edit Denials
You have a little more time to verify that providers are eligible to order Medicare test... Read more
Reader Question:
E/M Solves the Second Opinion Puzzle
Question:  When a patient sees the oncologist for a second opinion, which CPT® ... Read more
Reader Question:
V07.51 Lets You Pinpoint Tamoxifen
Question: Which ICD-9-CM codes do we report when a patient with a history of breast canc... Read more
Reader Question:
74270 Is Correct for Iodine Enema
Question: Which code should I use for a contrast enema that uses water-soluble contrast ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose Temsirolimus Encounter Codes
Question: Which codes apply to the following infusion encounter? The patient has renal c... Read more
NCD:
Prepare for Broader Medicare Coverage of Oral 3-Drug Antiemetic Regimen
Irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and more may soon join the reasonable and necessary list. Con... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
R11.- Range Will Be Your New Site for Nausea and Vomiting Diagnoses
Vomiting without nausea and vomiting NOS will have separate codes. When physicians doc... Read more
CMS:
99495 and 99496 FAQs Delve Into Place and Date of Service
Don’t try to claim these codes if patient dies before 30-day period is complete. ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Ordering Provider Edits Are Slated for May 1 Implementation
Don’t get in trouble asking for ABNs. CMS has announced that “Effective Ma... Read more
Reader Question:
80051 Isn't Quite Right for This Case
Question:  A physician orders blood electrolytes potassium, sodium, calcium, chlori... Read more
Reader Question:
784.2 Answers Call for Mouth Lump Code
Question: I need to code a lump in the mouth that hasn’t been biopsied yet. Which ... Read more
Reader Question:
99218-99220 Report Brief Observation Time
Question: I saw that you should use 99234-99236 for observation between eight and 24 hou... Read more
Reader Question:
99231-99233 'Per Day' Rule Applies to Group
Question: Two physicians in our group saw the same inpatient on the same date. The first... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Research Ewing's Sarcoma Code
Question: Our patient has been diagnosed with soft tissue Ewing’s sarcoma of the l... Read more
OIG:
J9355 Refund Requests Are on the Rise -- Are Your Herceptin Claims in the Clear?
Repeating a single mistake can lead to more than $100,000 in overpayments. Herceptin u... Read more
EMR:
Don't Let These 3 EMR Myths Lead Your E/M Coding Astray
Keep the same focus on common sense and compliance that you use for paper records. Ele... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
C71.5 Says 'Cerebral Ventricle,' But Watch the Fourth Ventricle Neoplasm Exception
ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM take different approaches to this diagnosis. At first glance, b... Read more
Reader Question:
995.94 Isn't the Only Code for SIRS Case
Question: The physician saw an inpatient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who was admit... Read more
Reader Question:
Plan Ahead to ID Documentation Changes
Question: Where can I find CMS directions regarding amending documentation? Georgia ... Read more
Reader Question:
32554 and 32556 Vary Based on Method
Question: Can I use 32554 when the physician performs a diagnostic thoracentesis or when... Read more
Reader Question:
V13.89 Offers DCIS History Option
Question: When the patient has had a DCIS diagnosis (233.0), how do you code for the &ld... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look Up Lynch Syndrome
Question: Which code should I report for Lynch Syndrome? Codify Member Answer: F... Read more
MPFS:
96413 and 96416 See a 2013 RVU Boost -- Here's Why
For final fee amount, consider conversion factor and geographic differences, too. A se... Read more
News You Can Use:
Prepare for PET Changes That Could Be Coming Down the Pike
National Medicare may offer more leeway for local coverage. You may see your PET local... Read more
Lab Tests:
86828-86835 Offer New Options for Human Leukocyte Antigen Testing
Only 86828 covers both HLA Class I and HLA Class II. If your oncologist or hematologis... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Anemia Guidelines Prove You Need to Review Your Initial Transition Preparations
Hanging on to ICD-10-CM 2010 official guidelines will lead your anemia/neoplasm coding a... Read more
Reader Question:
99215 May Pair With 99291 on Same Date
Question:  My doctor saw a patient in the office (99215) and then decided to admit ... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier 24 and More Join CCI Override List
Question: Which modifiers may be used to override CCI edits? South Carolina Subscribe... Read more
Reader Question:
793.5 Answers Call for Abnormal US Code
Question: I’m coding an ultrasound note. What diagnosis code should I report for f... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier Q6 Will Appear on Incident-To Claim
Question: One of our physicians will be away for eight weeks. She has made locum tenens ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take This Multiple Myeloma Challenge
Question: The following administration encounter is for a patient with high risk monoclo... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
GIST and Pancreatic Carcinoma Questions Require Back-to-Basics Detective Work
See how to report these diagnoses under ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM.   Oncology codi... Read more
Imaging:
Master Diagnostic Test Supervision, Easy as 1-2-3
Know where to go to untangle Medicare’s layers of definitions and numerical indica... Read more
MPFS 2013:
MPPR Applies to Imaging Services by Physicians in Same Group in New Year
CMS considers adding a modifier specific to overriding MPPR. Hematology/oncology is ex... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Z15 and V84 Trade Places in 2014 for Coding Neoplasm Genetic Susceptibility
Follow instructions to include code for current neoplasm and family history, too. You ... Read more
Code Edits:
Breast Biopsy Imaging Includes Post-Procedure Mammogram,
77055 should not be reported with localization clip placement, either. The Correct Cod... Read more
Reader Question:
J0894 Typically Pairs With 96413
Question: Which administration code is appropriate for Dacogen? Nevada Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Question:
82948 and 82962 Are Bundled Into PET
Question: How should we report the glucose check performed before PET tests? Nebraska... Read more
Reader Question:
Limit ICD-9-CM Choices to Relevant Codes
Question: On an E/M claim, is it appropriate to include diagnosis codes for every proble... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Complete the Coding for Vectibix Case
Question: How should I report a 60-minute infusion of 508.92 mg of Vectibix for a patien... Read more
HCPCS Q2048 or J9002 in 2013? Doxil Coding Changes Again in the New Year
Plus: See what’s different for Erwinaze, Adcetris, mitomycin, and more.   ... Read more
Code Revisions:
J7178 Brings Permanent Human Fibrinogen Option in 2013
Stay alert to units and admin method for these updated non-chemotherapy HCPCS codes. T... Read more
Online Resources:
Take a Trip to the AMA Site for CPT® 2013 Symposium Slides
Get authoritative tips from the experts behind the codes. If you couldn’t make t... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
289.81 Blood Clotting Diagnoses Scatter Under ICD-10-CM
But you’ll have to continue the search if documentation shows hemorrhagic disorder... Read more
News You Can Use:
203.00 Joins 203.02 in Palmetto's Kyprolis Instructions
Comply with new narrative requirements to prevent denials. Palmetto GBA providers take... Read more
Reader Question:
96521 Must Be Distinct From 96413
Question: Can I report 96413 and 96521 on the same day? Codify Member Answer: Under ... Read more
Reader Question:
J9213 Is on Cahaba's 'SAD' List
Question: I’m new to medical coding. I read something about not charging Part B fo... Read more
Reader Question:
Combine Same Day E/M Services
Question: Can we bill two office visits on the same day? We reported 99214 twice for the... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Size Up This Infusion Scenario
Question: A patient presents for chemotherapy. In the same bag, Decadron phosphate and Z... Read more
Available Years:  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999