Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Learn which other codes will bring you instant denials starting January 1.The recently released HCPCS 2011 code-set reveals a slew of deletions, streamlining your drug coding choices. Cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine are among the affected drugs. Here are the highlights.Good news: This change should simplify billing, particularly if the system your practice or facility uses, such as Pyxis or Lynx, limits you to a single code and billable unit for a drug, says Lisa S. Martin, CPC, CIMC, CPC-I, chargemaster specialist for OSF Healthcare System in Peoria, Ill. "As a consultant, I saw different facilities using only the 100 mg code [for example] for that very reason, so this change should facilitate more consistent and compliant billing practices."Watch out: These changes have a positive side, but "there are always considerations that will arise," Martin says. For example, if your practice uses different vial sizes, you will need to be alert [...]