Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
Sift Through In Situ Synonyms
Question: My report indicates a -noninfiltrating carcinoma- of the pelvic wall. What is the proper diagnosis code for this condition?
Connecticut Subscriber
Answer: -Noninfiltrating- may be another way of saying -carcinoma in situ.- If your physician confirms this diagnosis, the code you need is 234.8 (Carcinoma in situ of other and unspecified sites; other specified sites).
The term -carcinoma in situ- refers to tumor cells undergoing malignant changes but not invading the surrounding tissue. Your oncologist may also refer to these as intraepithelial, noninvasive, or preinvasive carcinoma, but ask him to specify -in situ- when that is the appropriate diagnosis. Other conditions may be non-infiltrating, and you don't want to appear to diagnose the patient yourself.
Caution: Payers may be reluctant to cover radiation treatment for carcinoma in situ diagnoses. Prepare to educate your insurer with clinical information supporting the need for radiation therapy for your patient.
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- New for 2006--Navigate Neutron Treatment Codes
CPT splits the atom to create 77422-77423
Pay attention to your particles - CPT 2006 serves [...] - Prepare for Sweeping Changes To Second-Opinion E/M Coding
Plus: Follow-up consults go through a major shake-up
Make a beeline for the E/M section the [...] - Target 77421 for Stereoscopic IGRT in 2006
ASTRO argues against port film bundle
Stereoscopic x-ray guidance won the tough battle to have its [...] - Modifier Tip:
Master 25's Latest Documentation Details
Added instruction stresses need for separate services
You probably know that you should append modifier 25 [...] - News You Can Use:
You're Proving Quality-of-Life Care Is Cost-Effective
And bringing in an extra $130 to boot
Thanks to your demonstration project coding for chemotherapy-patient [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Divide Device Claim With Hospital
Question: For an oncologist working in a hospital, how should I code a complex block, [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Double Isodose Codes With Proper Documentation
Question: May I code two separate complex isodose plans for the same date of service [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Study Immunotherapy to Report V58.12
Question: The November issue of Oncology Coding Alert described two new encounter codes--V58.11 and V58.12. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Stand Up for Freestanding Tech Fees
Question: What is the proper place-of-service code for a freestanding center?
Texas Subscriber
Answer: You should [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Aspire to Proper FNA Reporting
Question: How should I code my medical oncologist's fine needle aspiration with ultrasound guidance?
Arizona Subscriber [...] - You Be the Coder:
Test Your Treatment Planning Knowledge
Question: How should I code for simple therapeutic radiology treatment planning documented only in the [...] - Shift Prostate Screening to Your Accepted Codes List
Don't pass up this PSA ICD-9 list
Medicare is giving prostate screening a nod of approval. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Sift Through In Situ Synonyms
Question: My report indicates a -noninfiltrating carcinoma- of the pelvic wall. What is the proper [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Ponder PET Documentation Do's
Question: What documentation should the oncologist provide for tumor imaging codes 78811-78816?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: You [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Neoplasm Table for Myeloma Code
Question: I was unable to find a myeloma diagnosis in the neoplasm table. Am I [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Relax Requirements for History-Taker
Question: My coworker thinks the oncologist must take a patient's history, but I think a [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Navigate the Neoplasm Table
Question: What's the proper way to code for a patient referred for an MRI of [...]
