Orthopedic Coding Alert
New Kyphoplasty Codes Don't Guarantee Payment
Question: I have heard that a new HCPCS code for kyphoplasty was coming this year. What is the code, and how should we report initial and subsequent levels to my Medicare carrier? Answer: HCPCS 2004 introduced two new kyphoplasty codes, but Medicare did not assign any relative value units (RVUs) to them. You should, therefore, report these codes only to private payers that recognize them: If you're reporting kyphoplasty to Medicare, you should continue to use the code for unlisted spine procedures (22899).
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In addition, you should submit the operative report to describe the procedure you performed and how many levels you addressed.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
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Do Open Fractures Always Require Open Care?
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Just because two surgeons operate on the same patient during the same operative session does [...] - News You Can Use:
Higher Conversion Factor Bolsters Orthopedists' Pay
CMS finally released the long-awaited 2004 conversion factor. According to CMS' Dec. 24 Transmittal, the [...] - Reader Question:
New Kyphoplasty Codes Don't Guarantee Payment
Question: I have heard that a new HCPCS code for kyphoplasty was coming this year. [...] - Reader Question:
Count Self-Referrals as Office Visits
Question: A back-pain patient asked our orthopedist whether he could alleviate her pain through nonsurgical [...] - Reader Question:
Use 99201-99205 if Patient Switches to Your Office
Question: When my orthopedist covers for another local private-practice physician, I code the office visits [...] - Reader Question:
Infected Ingrown Nails May Be Payable
Question: A Medicare patient presented with a painful ingrown toenail, and our foot surgeon trimmed [...]
