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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

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Catch This 77421 Supervision Switch, and Free the MD's Time

Published on Mon Aug 10, 2009

A fee schedule update offers a spot of physician supervision clarity. You can mark one in the win column for matching physician supervision requirements to radiation oncology reality. CMS recently announced changes to 77421's technical component requirements. Here's the scoop. Master Supervision Level Lingo The relevant supervision levels for technical 77421 (Stereoscopic x-ray guidance for localization of target volume for the delivery of radiation therapy) include: • (02) Direct supervision: When your physician is present and immediately available to furnish direction and assistance throughout the procedure, consider it "direct supervision." Remember, however, that "direct supervision" doesn't mean your physician must be present in the room during the procedure -- just that he's in the vicinity and immediately available in person if needed. • (03) Personal supervision: "Personal supervision does not mean the doctor has to perform the procedure; he just has to be there in person supervising the procedure," explains Erin [...]
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