Otolaryngology Coding Alert
ICD-10 Coding:
Take These 4 Tips, Go to the Head of the Neoplasm Table
Learn the right way to code metastatic cancers. If you're new to coding cancers of the he... Read more
Take These 4 Tips, Go to the Head of the Neoplasm Table
Learn the right way to code metastatic cancers. If you're new to coding cancers of the he... Read more
E/M Coding:
Let These 3 Tips Lead You to New vs. Established Patient Clarity
You can collect more for new patients — but check these guidelines first. What's the di... Read more
Let These 3 Tips Lead You to New vs. Established Patient Clarity
You can collect more for new patients — but check these guidelines first. What's the di... Read more
Documentation:
Address These Key Fields, Complete ABNs With Ease
Don't forget that every ABN form must be one single page. As every otolaryngology practi... Read more
Address These Key Fields, Complete ABNs With Ease
Don't forget that every ABN form must be one single page. As every otolaryngology practi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Follow-Up or Aftercare for This BMT Encounter
Question: A patient returned to our provider for a routine follow-up after undergoing... Read more
Determine Follow-Up or Aftercare for This BMT Encounter
Question: A patient returned to our provider for a routine follow-up after undergoing... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prescription Proof Doesn’t Prove an E/M Service
Question: An established patient came in for a routine allergy shot, which the physic... Read more
Prescription Proof Doesn’t Prove an E/M Service
Question: An established patient came in for a routine allergy shot, which the physic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Which Guideline to Follow for SDOH Advice
Question: Should I be reporting every social determinant of health (SDOH) that applie... Read more
Know Which Guideline to Follow for SDOH Advice
Question: Should I be reporting every social determinant of health (SDOH) that applie... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware of Damaging Disclaimers
Question: One of the physicians at our practice uses dictation software, and the vend... Read more
Beware of Damaging Disclaimers
Question: One of the physicians at our practice uses dictation software, and the vend... Read more
News You Can Use:
New Internal Nasal Valve Collapse Codes Coming to ICD-10
Prep now to hit the ground running on Oct. 1, 2024. The Centers for Medicare & Medica... Read more
New Internal Nasal Valve Collapse Codes Coming to ICD-10
Prep now to hit the ground running on Oct. 1, 2024. The Centers for Medicare & Medica... Read more
Modifiers:
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Modifier 24 Questions
Hint: not all postoperative services warrant using modifier 24. Have you used modifier 24... Read more
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Modifier 24 Questions
Hint: not all postoperative services warrant using modifier 24. Have you used modifier 24... Read more
Practice Management:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, in Otolaryngology Coding Alert v... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, in Otolaryngology Coding Alert v... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Simple or Complex for Nasal Hemorrhage Control
Question: The provider's notes read that the patient had a large blood clot with oozi... Read more
Know Simple or Complex for Nasal Hemorrhage Control
Question: The provider's notes read that the patient had a large blood clot with oozi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lean on E/M Documentation for Services Not Actually Performed
Question: Can we count a provider's efforts to counsel a patient against a test as ev... Read more
Lean on E/M Documentation for Services Not Actually Performed
Question: Can we count a provider's efforts to counsel a patient against a test as ev... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) an... Read more
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) an... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Bust This Glossectomy Bundling Myth
Question: I was always told that 31600 is bundled with a hemiglossectomy (41130), b... Read more
Bust This Glossectomy Bundling Myth
Question: I was always told that 31600 is bundled with a hemiglossectomy (41130), b... Read more
Case Study Corner:
Clear the Way for Accurate Cerumen Removal Coding
Hint: removal method is key. When a patient presents to the clinic for cerumen (earwax) r... Read more
Clear the Way for Accurate Cerumen Removal Coding
Hint: removal method is key. When a patient presents to the clinic for cerumen (earwax) r... Read more
FFT Billing:
Know These 7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing
Prep now for summer FFT fill-ins, previously called locum tenens. Summer vacations are ... Read more
Know These 7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing
Prep now for summer FFT fill-ins, previously called locum tenens. Summer vacations are ... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial in... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn the Importance of SDOH
Question: There's a huge push to document social determinants of health (SDOH) for p... Read more
Learn the Importance of SDOH
Question: There's a huge push to document social determinants of health (SDOH) for p... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Flexibility in Delegating Prior Authorizations
Question: If a patient's prescribed medication needs prior authorization from their i... Read more
Find Flexibility in Delegating Prior Authorizations
Question: If a patient's prescribed medication needs prior authorization from their i... Read more
You Be the Coder:
See Why You Don’t Always Bill 69210 With -50
Question: When our otolaryngologists remove impacted cerumen from both of a patient'... Read more
See Why You Don’t Always Bill 69210 With -50
Question: When our otolaryngologists remove impacted cerumen from both of a patient'... Read more
Allergy Tests & Tx:
Avoid Allergy Testing, Immunotherapy Coding Traps: Part 2
See how to report these different supply scenarios. Green grass, blossoming trees, and br... Read more
Avoid Allergy Testing, Immunotherapy Coding Traps: Part 2
See how to report these different supply scenarios. Green grass, blossoming trees, and br... Read more
Compliance:
Obtain Understanding of Medicare’s New Regulations
Finally get clarification on Medicare's rules for E/M service encounters. The Centers for... Read more
Obtain Understanding of Medicare’s New Regulations
Finally get clarification on Medicare's rules for E/M service encounters. The Centers for... Read more
Medicare Tips:
Sharpen Your Medicare Signature Knowledge
Resolving your questionable signatures prior to claim submission is key. In your ENT pr... Read more
Sharpen Your Medicare Signature Knowledge
Resolving your questionable signatures prior to claim submission is key. In your ENT pr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recognize Supervision Requirements for Diagnostic Testing
Question: How do you handle allergy testing claims when performed by a non-physician ... Read more
Recognize Supervision Requirements for Diagnostic Testing
Question: How do you handle allergy testing claims when performed by a non-physician ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Phone-In This E/M Encounter
Question: A patient presented to the office for a follow-up appointment. When the pat... Read more
Phone-In This E/M Encounter
Question: A patient presented to the office for a follow-up appointment. When the pat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — he ... Read more
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — he ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hear This Advice on Timely Filing Denials
Question: After getting a denial on a claim for a patient insured by an employment be... Read more
Hear This Advice on Timely Filing Denials
Question: After getting a denial on a claim for a patient insured by an employment be... Read more
Allergy Tests & Tx:
Avoid Allergy Testing, Immunotherapy Coding Traps: Part 1
Check your answers to these common allergy questions to keep claims on track. Every codin... Read more
Avoid Allergy Testing, Immunotherapy Coding Traps: Part 1
Check your answers to these common allergy questions to keep claims on track. Every codin... Read more
Modifiers:
Understand How To Apply Assistant at Surgery Modifiers
Hint: Do not report modifiers 80 and AS together. As a coder specializing in otolaryngo... Read more
Understand How To Apply Assistant at Surgery Modifiers
Hint: Do not report modifiers 80 and AS together. As a coder specializing in otolaryngo... Read more
HIPAA Help Desk:
Learn These 3 Truths and 3 Myths About PHI
Hint: Deidentifying records may allow you to scrub PHI from them. From patient names to... Read more
Learn These 3 Truths and 3 Myths About PHI
Hint: Deidentifying records may allow you to scrub PHI from them. From patient names to... Read more
Reader Questions:
Does This Case Call for E/M and Immunotherapy Codes?
Question: A patient comes to the office for his allergy shot. He complains of an eara... Read more
Does This Case Call for E/M and Immunotherapy Codes?
Question: A patient comes to the office for his allergy shot. He complains of an eara... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Ups Conversion Factor … Slightly
Question: Has there been any change to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) con... Read more
Medicare Ups Conversion Factor … Slightly
Question: Has there been any change to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) con... Read more
Reader Questions:
Employ Protections for Patient Signatures
Question: In our recent risk evaluation, we discovered that the electronic signatures... Read more
Employ Protections for Patient Signatures
Question: In our recent risk evaluation, we discovered that the electronic signatures... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Perfect Your Patch Test Billing Practices With These Pointers
Question: When a patient undergoes patch testing and then returns for a follow-up vis... Read more
Perfect Your Patch Test Billing Practices With These Pointers
Question: When a patient undergoes patch testing and then returns for a follow-up vis... Read more
ICD-10:
Breeze Through Spring With Denial-Proof Allergy Dx Coding
Debunk these three myths to sail through allergy diagnosis codes. With allergy season in ... Read more
Breeze Through Spring With Denial-Proof Allergy Dx Coding
Debunk these three myths to sail through allergy diagnosis codes. With allergy season in ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Review New Rules for Reporting Multiple Unlisted Procedures
Also, make note of the modifiers you can now use with unlisted codes. If your provider h... Read more
Review New Rules for Reporting Multiple Unlisted Procedures
Also, make note of the modifiers you can now use with unlisted codes. If your provider h... Read more
Compliance:
Discover 4 Ways To Overcome Telehealth Compliance Obstacles
Contracted vendors are also obligated to adhere to HIPAA rules. Telehealth services have... Read more
Discover 4 Ways To Overcome Telehealth Compliance Obstacles
Contracted vendors are also obligated to adhere to HIPAA rules. Telehealth services have... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here Are Some Hearing Test Codes That Have a PC
Question: What codes should we submit when our physicians interpret and provide a rep... Read more
Here Are Some Hearing Test Codes That Have a PC
Question: What codes should we submit when our physicians interpret and provide a rep... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correctly Coding Hay Fever Is Nothing To Sneeze At
Question: I am looking at a medical chart that says the physician diagnosed the patie... Read more
Correctly Coding Hay Fever Is Nothing To Sneeze At
Question: I am looking at a medical chart that says the physician diagnosed the patie... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig for This Detail When Reporting Otic Post-Op Debridement
Question: Two weeks after undergoing tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy (69641), a pati... Read more
Dig for This Detail When Reporting Otic Post-Op Debridement
Question: Two weeks after undergoing tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy (69641), a pati... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Find the Right Codes for This Allergy-Induced Asthma Attack
Question: An established patient with a history of moderate persistent asthma present... Read more
Find the Right Codes for This Allergy-Induced Asthma Attack
Question: An established patient with a history of moderate persistent asthma present... Read more
Audiology Focus:
Use These 6 Tips To Code Hearing Tests Successfully
Start by knowing what's included in an E/M visit. If your practice includes an audiologi... Read more
Use These 6 Tips To Code Hearing Tests Successfully
Start by knowing what's included in an E/M visit. If your practice includes an audiologi... Read more
Guidelines:
Equip Yourself With Some Audiology TC/PC Guideline Essentials
Begin by defining what constitutes each component of service. When reporting audiological... Read more
Equip Yourself With Some Audiology TC/PC Guideline Essentials
Begin by defining what constitutes each component of service. When reporting audiological... Read more
Telehealth:
Perfect Your Telehealth Reporting With This FAQ
Bonus: Use this clip-and-save chart to answer future questions. Most otolaryngology prac... Read more
Perfect Your Telehealth Reporting With This FAQ
Bonus: Use this clip-and-save chart to answer future questions. Most otolaryngology prac... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider These Newborn Hearing Screening Coding Options
Question: What is the correct way to code hearing screenings performed on newborns o... Read more
Consider These Newborn Hearing Screening Coding Options
Question: What is the correct way to code hearing screenings performed on newborns o... Read more
Reader Questions:
Can You Report Audiologic Tests That Aren’t on CMS’ List?
Question: Will Medicare pay for the technical component of diagnostic tests that are ... Read more
Can You Report Audiologic Tests That Aren’t on CMS’ List?
Question: Will Medicare pay for the technical component of diagnostic tests that are ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill -AB With Apt Documentation for Acute Condition Discoveries
Question: A patient presented to the audiologist for diagnostic testing without a phy... Read more
Bill -AB With Apt Documentation for Acute Condition Discoveries
Question: A patient presented to the audiologist for diagnostic testing without a phy... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Review the Rules for Billing Audiology Services With -AB
Question: Our audiologist performed testing without a physician's order and billed th... Read more
Review the Rules for Billing Audiology Services With -AB
Question: Our audiologist performed testing without a physician's order and billed th... Read more
CPT® 2024:
Update Your Ablation Coding Understanding: Part 2
Find out if the new codes will ease PNN destruction reimbursement woes. Otolaryngologists... Read more
Update Your Ablation Coding Understanding: Part 2
Find out if the new codes will ease PNN destruction reimbursement woes. Otolaryngologists... Read more
E/M Coding:
Deconstruct the Complex Concepts in the MDM Table
Hint: Getting the definitions down pat is half the battle. Most folks in the business o... Read more
Deconstruct the Complex Concepts in the MDM Table
Hint: Getting the definitions down pat is half the battle. Most folks in the business o... Read more
Reimbursement:
Apply These 5 Tactics To Perfect Your Appeals Process
Do your homework to defend your reimbursement reasoning. Although appealing denials isn't... Read more
Apply These 5 Tactics To Perfect Your Appeals Process
Do your homework to defend your reimbursement reasoning. Although appealing denials isn't... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Note of Medicare Overpayment Rules
Question: Who is responsible for identifying and correcting overpayment in any Medica... Read more
Make Note of Medicare Overpayment Rules
Question: Who is responsible for identifying and correcting overpayment in any Medica... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Out How To Handle Family History Facts
Question: When our otolaryngologists get referrals for procedures, the referring phys... Read more
Find Out How To Handle Family History Facts
Question: When our otolaryngologists get referrals for procedures, the referring phys... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Making This Time Calculation Misstep
Question: I noticed that the physicians at the practice I just started working at ten... Read more
Avoid Making This Time Calculation Misstep
Question: I noticed that the physicians at the practice I just started working at ten... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Examine Coding Choices for EAC Debridement
Question: I have a provider who uses an operating microscope to debride the ear canal... Read more
Examine Coding Choices for EAC Debridement
Question: I have a provider who uses an operating microscope to debride the ear canal... Read more
CPT® 2024:
Update Your Ablation Coding Understanding, Part 1
Discover the new codes to use for PNN destruction in lieu of 30999. Ablation therapy is a... Read more
Update Your Ablation Coding Understanding, Part 1
Discover the new codes to use for PNN destruction in lieu of 30999. Ablation therapy is a... Read more
Modifier Madness:
Boost Your Modifier Savvy With Answers to These 6 FAQ
Learn which modifiers are most likely to stand in the way of claim success. Modifiers can... Read more
Boost Your Modifier Savvy With Answers to These 6 FAQ
Learn which modifiers are most likely to stand in the way of claim success. Modifiers can... Read more
Skill Builder:
Preview These Pro Tips for Discussing Audit Results With Providers
Know your options when conversations take an uncomfortable turn. Chart audits can identi... Read more
Preview These Pro Tips for Discussing Audit Results With Providers
Know your options when conversations take an uncomfortable turn. Chart audits can identi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess the Pros and Cons of Appending Modifier 51
Question: Should I use modifier 51 when billing multiple procedures? New Hampshire S... Read more
Assess the Pros and Cons of Appending Modifier 51
Question: Should I use modifier 51 when billing multiple procedures? New Hampshire S... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Out How To Fix This IT Destruction Billing Blunder
Question: A patient with difficulty breathing and snoring underwent superficial ablat... Read more
Find Out How To Fix This IT Destruction Billing Blunder
Question: A patient with difficulty breathing and snoring underwent superficial ablat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Note of When Techs Can Bill for Testing
Question: When a physician orders a comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and... Read more
Take Note of When Techs Can Bill for Testing
Question: When a physician orders a comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Review Which Details Enable Correct Cerumen Removal Reporting
Question: Patient presents with worsening of hearing in the left ear over the past se... Read more
Review Which Details Enable Correct Cerumen Removal Reporting
Question: Patient presents with worsening of hearing in the left ear over the past se... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Review These 5 MPFS Final Rule Takeaways
Get the 411 on payment cuts, complex E/M code G2211, telehealth, and more. Expect some g... Read more
Review These 5 MPFS Final Rule Takeaways
Get the 411 on payment cuts, complex E/M code G2211, telehealth, and more. Expect some g... Read more
Modifier Madness:
Let These Answers Aid You in Achieving Modifier Mastery, Part 1
Avoid misusing modifiers or risk inappropriate reimbursement, audits, and more. Although ... Read more
Let These Answers Aid You in Achieving Modifier Mastery, Part 1
Avoid misusing modifiers or risk inappropriate reimbursement, audits, and more. Although ... Read more
Auditing 101:
Bolster Your Audit Program To Prevent Billing Slip-Ups
Remember: Scope helps establish your ‘why' and ‘how.' While you may be content with y... Read more
Bolster Your Audit Program To Prevent Billing Slip-Ups
Remember: Scope helps establish your ‘why' and ‘how.' While you may be content with y... Read more
Reader Question:
Understand the Split/Shared Definition Update
Question: What's the latest on CMS revising the definition of “substantive portion... Read more
Understand the Split/Shared Definition Update
Question: What's the latest on CMS revising the definition of “substantive portion... Read more
Reader Question:
Know PE Tubes Are Typically Considered an Implant
Question: When coding pressure equalization (PE) tube removals, should we consider th... Read more
Know PE Tubes Are Typically Considered an Implant
Question: When coding pressure equalization (PE) tube removals, should we consider th... Read more
Reader Question:
Recognize Allergy Testing Includes Reviewing Results With Patients
Question: Following allergy testing, the physician meets with the patient to go over ... Read more
Recognize Allergy Testing Includes Reviewing Results With Patients
Question: Following allergy testing, the physician meets with the patient to go over ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Assess Which Modifier Enables Reporting Both These Procedures
Question: The otolaryngologist excises a lesion from the patient's nose with an excis... Read more
Assess Which Modifier Enables Reporting Both These Procedures
Question: The otolaryngologist excises a lesion from the patient's nose with an excis... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Don’t Deny This NCCI Bundle
Question: Is it possible to get paid for 92504 and 69210 when the two services are pe... Read more
Don’t Deny This NCCI Bundle
Question: Is it possible to get paid for 92504 and 69210 when the two services are pe... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Understand Repair or Correction for Correct Septoplasty Coding
Question: A patient had surgery on a septal deviation with a perforation of 1 cm. The surg... Read more
Understand Repair or Correction for Correct Septoplasty Coding
Question: A patient had surgery on a septal deviation with a perforation of 1 cm. The surg... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Get the Answers to All Your External Cause Code Questions
Use them to paint the patient's complete picture … most of the time. You're probably fa... Read more
Get the Answers to All Your External Cause Code Questions
Use them to paint the patient's complete picture … most of the time. You're probably fa... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Look to E/M for This Lip and Tongue Repair
Question: Our practice saw a patient who had badly bitten their tongue and lip follow... Read more
Look to E/M for This Lip and Tongue Repair
Question: Our practice saw a patient who had badly bitten their tongue and lip follow... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Use These 3 Codes in This Azithromycin Allergic Reaction Encounter
Question: What's the diagnosis coding for a patient experiencing an allergic reaction (vom... Read more
Use These 3 Codes in This Azithromycin Allergic Reaction Encounter
Question: What's the diagnosis coding for a patient experiencing an allergic reaction (vom... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Refresh Your Memory of Basic ENT Procedure Coding
Don't forget to justify separate and significant E/Ms. You see notes documenting cerumen ... Read more
Refresh Your Memory of Basic ENT Procedure Coding
Don't forget to justify separate and significant E/Ms. You see notes documenting cerumen ... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
FESS Up to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Coding Confusion
Don't forget to pay attention to combo codes and descriptors. Coding for functional endos... Read more
FESS Up to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Coding Confusion
Don't forget to pay attention to combo codes and descriptors. Coding for functional endos... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Let Guidelines Lead You to Correct Long COVID Reporting
Question: What is long COVID, how is it coded, and how does that differ from active COVID?... Read more
Let Guidelines Lead You to Correct Long COVID Reporting
Question: What is long COVID, how is it coded, and how does that differ from active COVID?... Read more
Otolaryngology Coding:
Override This Guideline for Provider-Identified Influenza
Question: A patient reported to our practice with fever, muscle pain, sore throat, earache... Read more
Override This Guideline for Provider-Identified Influenza
Question: A patient reported to our practice with fever, muscle pain, sore throat, earache... Read more