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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

News You Can Use:
Get the Scoop on Key E/M Changes for 2024
See how CPT® modified descriptors to mirror other timed E/M codes. The 2024 CPT® code s... Read more
Year in Review:
Review What Was New in 2023
How much do you remember about these major changes from the last 12 months? Whether you'r... Read more
CPT® Updates:
Understand the Seismic Shift in COVID-19 Vax Coding
Find out which existing product code survived the cut. Although the COVID-19 public heal... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Overcome 30117 Reimbursement Obstacles With This Advice
Question: We have been billing 30117-RT and 30117-LT with modifier 59, but we're only... Read more
Reader Question:
Revisit MDM Rules Regarding Lab Test Results
Question: If the provider orders lab work and a week later goes over the results with... Read more
Reader Question:
Examine How To Code This Nasal Fracture Encounter
Question: A patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a bruised nose and... Read more
Reader Question:
Check for the Term ‘Chronic’ Before Coding OM With Effusion
Question: My otolaryngologist documented otitis media with effusion for one patient a... Read more
CPT®:
Pinpoint Differences for TM Repair Coding Success
Dig deep into descriptors to better understand these services. Most otolaryngology coder... Read more
Back to Basics:
Bust These Myths To Overcome TM Rupture Reporting Obstacles
See how ICD-10 guideline savvy helps to cut through coding confusion. Coding the various... Read more
Coding 101:
Employ These Expert Answers, Navigate NCCI Edits With Ease
Here's how to use PTP edit pair know-how to fine-tune your procedural coding. Although yo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Assess Anesthesia Type When Coding PE Tube Procedures
Question: How should we code for pressure-equalizing (PE) tube insertion (tympanostomy)? W... Read more
Reader Questions:
Examine How To Report This Eardrum Rupture Tx
Question: Can you explain how this case should be coded? The otolaryngologist gently deb... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check NCCI Edits Before Billing These Bundled Codes
Question: Our otolaryngologists would like to bill ear tube removal under general anesthes... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Distinct With These Modifier Choices
Question: Can you explain when I should and shouldn't use the X{EPSU} modifiers? Louisian... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Keep Track of These 4 MPFS Proposals
Calls for a complete overhaul of Medicare's payment system grow louder. Practices may ha... Read more
ICD-10 2024:
Learn About the Latest Z Code Expansion
And take note of the updated verbiage in the SDoH guideline. Over the past few years, awa... Read more
Compliance:
Assess Your Practice’s Accommodation Preparedness
Find four ways to enhance accessibility for deaf patients. Otolaryngology practices see p... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the 411 on Complexity Add-On Code G2211
Question: Where do things stand with the implementation of add-on code G2211, and why... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Note of These Transtympanic Injection Coding Tips
Question: Our otolaryngologists commonly perform transtympanic therapeutic injections... Read more
Reader Questions:
Review How To Report Nasal Pack Removal
Question: I cannot find a CPT® code for removing a posterior nasal pack. I came acro... Read more
You Be the Coder:
See How To Code Same-Day Posterior Epistaxis Treatment
Question: Our otolaryngologist treated a patient with posterior nasal bleeding. Later... Read more
News You Can Use:
Check Out These Key 2024 ICD-10-CM Changes
Start preparing now, so you're ready to hit the ground running come October. It's that t... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Get Your Epistaxis Coding Under Control Using These 4 Q&As;
Remember: An E/M encounter may be all you need to report nosebleed treatment. When you f... Read more
Documentation:
Perfect Your Provider Query Skills With These Pointers
Perfect Your Provider Query Skills With These Pointers Ensure documentation integrity a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Review the Right Way To Write Provider Queries
Question: Can you explain the different types of queries? Michigan Subscriber Ans... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reserve 31238 for Scope-Necessary Cautery
Question: When is it appropriate to bill 31238 for endoscopy and epistaxis bleeding c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Steps Now To Keep Clean Claims and Appropriate Pay
Question: With new ICD-10 codes taking effect in October, what are key considerations... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Procure Proper Payment for Epistaxis Control After Endoscopy
Question: The otolaryngologist performs nasal e ndoscopy on a patient with epistaxis ... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Get the Answers to Your Top 5 Tonsillitis FAQs
Zero in on the right code by knowing which details to look for in the documentation. Ther... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Take Note of These Tried-and-True Tonsillectomy Coding Tips
Remember to check NCCI edits to avoid bundling pitfalls. Chances are, your otolaryngolog... Read more
Technology:
Leverage Artificial Intelligence To Optimize RCM
Boost collections by using AI to detect missing charges before claims are filed. Is your... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Get Stuck Trying To Specify Vaping Cessation Counseling
Question: During a follow-up evaluation and management (E/M) visit for chronic sinusitis a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Appropriate Billing of 95027 for Allergy Testing
Question: When a patient undergoes intradermal dilutional testing, should we report 95027 ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Out How CPT® Categorizes AI-Related Procedures
Question: What are the different classifications of AI in the CPT® code book? Virginia S... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle Coding This Case of Tonsillectomy Due to Tonsillitis
Question: An 11-year-old patient undergoes primary tonsillectomy due to acute recurrent to... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Let 5 Tips Clarify Correct Coding for Post-Op Debridement
Find out when it's appropriate to report 31237 when performed post-surgically.  Get... Read more
Mythbusters:
Avoid Seasonal Allergy Reporting Pitfalls With These Suggestions
Bust these three myths to boost your rhinitis coding savvy. As we make our way into aller... Read more
E/M Coding:
Pay Attention to Digital E/M Code Particulars
Remember to review the fine print, as payer policy requirements may differ. The growth i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Advice on Reporting the Right Allergic Rhinitis Code
Question: The otolaryngologist diagnosed a patient with persistent allergic rhinitis.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Encounter Cumulative Service Time Components for E-Visits
Question: When our otolaryngologists perform online digital E/M services (99421-9942... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rejoice! Cigna’s Modifier 25 Policy Implementation Postponed Again
Question: I heard Cigna now requires the submission of documentation via email or fax... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Work Out Which Codes This Claim Should Include
Question: After a septoplasty for a deviated septum, turbinectomy via excision for hy... Read more
Case Study Corner:
Realize Optimal Reporting for ENT Allograft Reinforcement
Hint: Knowing what not to code is half the battle. You may come across the use of acellul... Read more
Reimbursement:
Prove Medical Necessity for Nasal Repair Reimbursement
Include pre- and postoperative photos to strengthen your case. When your otolaryngologi... Read more
Modifiers:
Steer Clear of Laterality Modifier Mix-Ups in 5 Simple Steps
Remember to review the fine print, as payer policies may differ. The CPT® code set inclu... Read more
Reader Questions:
List Z Code First on Certain Nasal Reconstruction Claims
Question: A patient underwent plastic surgery to reconstruct the nose and septum afte... Read more
Reader Questions:
See These Suggestions on Selecting Sinus Endoscopy Codes
Question: When an otolaryngologist suctions purulent mucoid material from any of the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Which Allergic Rhinitis Code Fits the Bill
Question: A patient presents with a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. The otola... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Your Hand at Coding This Tongue Sx Case
Question: I am struggling with the following case. What is proper coding for the diag... Read more
News You Can Use:
Go Old School To Submit Office Notes for -25 Claims
See what extra hoops you'll have to jump through for Cigna claims come May. There is now ... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Size Up Your ENT Coding Skills
Test your knowledge of these four common ENT problems. In some cases, coding for otolaryn... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Let Site and Extent Direct Tongue Procedure Coding
Remember to check for closure following excision or risk forfeiting pay. When your otol... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Check Your Responses to Our ENT Coding Quiz
Grab your answers and see if you really are an ENT coding expert. Once you've answered th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Misuse of Modifier 25 With This Advice
Question: We worry about using modifier 25 incorrectly. Can you explain key consider... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Your Mastery of Assigning Audiometry Codes
Question: How should I code the testing done in the following encounter? A 5-year-ol... Read more
Reader Questions:
Spot the Lingual Lesion Excision Billing Blunder
Question: The otolaryngologist excises a tongue lesion on the lateral border of the p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Have a Go at This Glossectomy Case
Question: I am struggling with the following case, specifically whether to report the... Read more
Sinus Implants:
Keep Your Drug-Eluting Stent Know-How Current
Find out which codes to turn to for PROPEL® and SINUVA® in lieu of J7401. Over the last... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Peruse the Particulars of Coding DES Placement
Learn when it is, and is not, appropriate to report stent implantation. A growing number ... Read more
Risk Adjustment:
Break Down the Complexities of Risk Adjustment
Only code conditions from acceptable document sources by acceptable provider types. Ris... Read more
Reader Questions:
Defer to Your Doc When Determining Acute vs. Chronic
Question: I have heard varying opinions on what the exact duration of a chronic condi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Ready, the COVID-19 PHE Is Wrapping Up
Question: What is the status of the COVID-19 public health emergency? Iowa Subscrib... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check What Procedure Pay Includes Before Billing Supplies
Question: We have been billing miscellaneous surgical supply code A4649 in addition t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Review the Rules for Reporting 2 Procedures Using 1 Scope
Question: When my physician performs both laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy at the same t... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Dive Into the Details of Neck Dissection Coding
And peruse this quick refresher on what each procedure involves. If your otolaryngologist... Read more
E/M MDM:
Conquer Data Counting With 3 Handy Hints
Plus, get a can't-miss pro tip on when not to count data. As we've often discussed in Ot... Read more
Mythbuster:
Ditch These Coding Habits to Diminish Denial Distress
Increasing first-pass payment success might be easier than you think. Submitting clean cl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Test Your Technical, Professional Component Reporting Know-How
Question: Sometimes our provider will perform maxillofacial comput­erized tomograph... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Steps to Safeguard ePHI From Unauthorized Disclosure
Question: A provider in our practice informed us that they have been sending patient... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Your Modifier Mastery With This Complex MRND Case
Question: How would you code a laryngectomy with bilateral modified neck dissection? ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Let POS Dictate How You Handle ‘Uncertain’ Dx
Question: A patient presented to the office with a painless lump behind their ear. Ou... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Don’t Let Coding Pharyngitis Be a Pain Point
Time for your ICD-10-CM instructions checkup. While most coding scenarios are cut-and-dry... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Sharpen Your Sore Throat Encounter Reporting Savvy
Follow this st(r)ep by step guide for spot-on coding of sore throat encounters. Winter is... Read more
Patient Privacy:
Sidestep HIPAA Snafus in 8 Simple Steps
Provide periodic training so that staffers don't completely forget the tenets of HIPAA. T... Read more
Reader Question:
Take Proper Precautions When Faxing Protected Health Info
Question: Occasionally a client or patient requests faxed medical records. What are the HI... Read more
Reader Question:
Provide HIPAA Training to All Who Work With PHI
Question: Our office occasionally uses temporary workers and other nonpermanent emplo... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider Global Period Before Billing Post-Op Ear Debridement
Question: A patient returns to our office for debridement two weeks after undergoing ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know Tympanostomy Includes Myringotomy, Cerumen Removal
Question: Prior to performing tympanostomy tube placement, the provider performed a cerume... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Examine 2023 MPFS Final Rule Pros and Cons
Conversion factor goes down $1.55, some PHE flexibilities continue. Absent congressional... Read more
E/M Coding:
Ready Yourself to Successfully Implement E/M Changes
Taking the time to revise forms/templates pays dividends in the long run. The time has c... Read more
Compliance:
Discover 4 Ways to Shore Up Your Time-Based Coding
Steer clear of these four auditor red flags when coding time. A surefire way to maximize ... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Your Total Time Counts Compliant
Question: If the physician does work in preparation for an office visit the day befor... Read more
Reader Question:
Gain Insight Into Handling PHI Restriction Requests
Question: When a patient asks our office to limit or restrict disclosures of their pr... Read more
Reader Question:
Dig Deep for Details Before Using Unspecified Codes
Question: A colleague said to try not to use unspecified ICD-10 codes. However, numer... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pinpoint Proper Coding of This E/M Service
Question: Our otolaryngologist saw a new patient with a chief complaint of postnasal ... Read more
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