Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
Pick 238.4 to Justify Phlebotomy
Question: I've been linking the cancer's ICD-9 code to the oncologist's phlebotomy services and getting denials. What ICD-9 code should I use? Answer: When oncology practices have trouble getting paid for the oncologist's phlebotomy services, the reason is usually improper ICD-9 codes. Many oncology coders mistakenly treat therapeutic phlebotomy coding the same as chemotherapy treatment coding by linking cancer diagnosis codes to a phlebotomy procedure code, such as 99195 (Phlebotomy, therapeutic [separate procedure]).
Connecticut Subscriber
Instead, you should use one of these ICD-9 codes:
In addition, make sure you're supplying a sufficient amount of medical documentation. The patient's record should include details of the condition the oncologist treated and the date of the service. The documentation should also indicate either the patient's red blood cell mass or a pre-phlebotomy hematocrit of more than 60 percent.
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- HCPCS 2004 Update:
Speed Up Reimbursement With New Chemotherapy Drug Codes
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'Incident-To' Chemotherapy Administration
Question: Can our oncologist bill chemotherapy administration as an incident-to service?
California Subscriber
Answer: If the [...] - HCPCS 2004 Update:
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Use 85097 for Bone Smear Interpretations
Question: How should I report my oncologist's bone marrow interpretations?
Georgia Subscriber Answer: You should report [...] - Reader Question:
Medicare Provides Free Access to NCCI Edits
Question: I heard that Medicare posted the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits on the [...] - Reader Question:
Know When to Use Modifier -25
Question: Insurers often deny our practice's claims when we attach modifier -25 to a code. [...] - Reader Question:
Pick 238.4 to Justify Phlebotomy
Question: I've been linking the cancer's ICD-9 code to the oncologist's phlebotomy services and getting [...] - Reader Question:
Ask Private Payers for a -59 Alternative
Question: One of our private payers uses the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits but [...] - Reader Question:
Avoid Audits With 77280
Question: How should I report 77280?
Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: Because payers often audit practices that indiscriminately [...] - Reader Question:
CPT Doesn't Help With Image Fusion
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Punch In a Simple Code for Biopsy
Question: I was working on a pathology report that referenced a "punch biopsy." What does [...]
