Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
Only Code Follow-Up If Unrelated Reason
Question: Under normal circumstances we cannot bill a follow-up within 90 days of a patient completing radiation therapy. Can we bill a separate service, however, if the patient returns because he has a relapse in disease and needs to discuss his next course of therapy? Illinois Subscriber Answer: How you handle the situation depends on the outcome of the patient's visit. ASTRO (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology) guidelines state that follow-up examinations within 90 days of radiation therapy completion are considered to be part of the reimbursement for treatment management; therefore, you cannot bill the follow-up visit separately during this period. If the patient comes in because of a new complaint unrelated to the condition your oncologist just treated, however, you can report the appropriate E/M code from 992xx (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient -)
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- Documentation:
New ABN Implementation Is Coming: Are You Ready for Supply or Test Changes?
Updated form replaces existing ones March 1. Almost a year ago -- March 3, 2008 -- CMS [...] - Focus on the Basics to Simplify Your ABN Filing
Remember these 4 tips and stay on track for success. Although the ABN form has [...] - Switching to EHR? Weigh These Pros and Cons First
Caution: You might not be able to track who makes changes. With new technology emerging [...] - News Flash:
Fusilev Earns Its Own J Code
Medication might help fight leucovorin shortage -- but at a price. A nationwide shortage of Leucovorin [...] - You Be the Coder:
Diagnosing Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for endometrial stromal sarcoma? Florida Subscriber Answer: You-ll [...] - Reader Questions:
Keep Clear of J1642 With 36000
Question: Someone recently told us that we could submit J1642 with 36000-59. We administered chemo [...] - Reader Questions:
Only Report Irrigation, Not Office Visit
Question: When a patient presents for venous device irrigation, should we only bill 96523, or [...] - Reader Questions:
Document Need for 36591
Question: How should we submit a blood draw when that's the patient's only service of [...] - Reader Questions:
Primary Reason Goes Before Prophylactics
Question: We administer prophylactics such as potassium, then chemotherapy, then other prophylactics such as Mannitol. [...] - Reader Questions:
Only Code Follow-Up If Unrelated Reason
Question: Under normal circumstances we cannot bill a follow-up within 90 days of a patient [...] - Reader Questions:
Add 59 for Second Site, Separate Charge
Question: We completed a complex teletherapy isodose plan and basic dosimetry calculation twice on the [...] - Reader Questions:
New 999.8x Codes Pinpoint Extravasation Diagnosis
Question: We have a chart with the finding "extravasation of vesicant chemotherapy." What is this, [...]
