Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Plus: The OIG feels your pain over inconsistent drug admin code policies. Oncology coding is popping up all over the regulatory radar. Track the latest updates with this look at three pieces of news you can use. 1. Request, Render, Report ... Wrong Code You can probably recite consult coding's three R's in your sleep, but Medicare may decide those infamous requirements are on the way out. For 2010, CMS plans to end payment for consult codes, according to the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, printed in the July 13 Federal Register (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-15835.htm). Less hassle but less cash? Instead of reporting consult codes, you'd report new or established patient office visit or hospital care (E/M) codes for these services, and CMS would increase payments for the existing E/M codes. To determine the impact of this change, you'd have to compare the reimbursement from the new fee schedule office visit [...]