Orthopedic Coding Alert

Say goodbye to modifier 59 when reporting 9 ortho coding pairs. Although orthopedics escaped the brunt of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 15.2's edits, you should be aware of new bundles associated with three areas: • discographies • fluoroscopies • injections. Also, neglecting modifier indicators could send your claim into denial land. A total of nine edits switched from allowing you to separate them with a modifier to never allowing a modifier whatsoever -- and it's up to you to highlight this change. CCI's latest version, 15.2, took effect on July 1, and includes over 3,500 new edit pairs, according to Frank Cohen, senior analyst with MIT Solutions Inc., in a June 17 news release. Remember: Medicare applies CCI edits to services reported by the same provider for the same beneficiary on the same date of service, says Barbara J. Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC,CPC-H, CPC-P, CHCC, senior coder and auditor for [...]