Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Auditing: Count Otalgia HPI
Question: I-m auditing a note that states: "CC: A patient seen in the office complains of left ear pain. HPI: Patient complains of dull ache in left ear over the past 24 hours." Does the note support a brief or extended history of illness (HPI)? Maryland Subscriber Answer: The note includes four HPI elements, which the AMA and CMS consider extended HPI (at least four HPI elements or the status of at least three chronic or inactive conditions for extended HPI). You have location (left ear), quality (dull), symptom (ache), and duration (over past 24 hours). The other HPI elements include severity, scale, timing, context and modifying factors. See if you can spot the additional HPI elements in this note: "Patient complains of dull ache in left ear over the past 24 hours. Patient states he went swimming two days ago. Symptoms somewhat relieved by warm compress and ibuprofen." In addition to the same location, quality and duration elements listed in your note, the second note also indicates: - context (went swimming) - modifying factors (relieved by warm compress and ibuprofen).
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Stop on Higher-Paying Scope Code Minus Laryngeal Exam Indication
Anatomy paints picture of 92511, 31231 or 31575 territory You can net almost $100 more [...] - Clinch Extra $100 in Diagnostic Pay With Scope Essentials
Anatomy and CC steer 31231 to 31575 selection You-ll avoid undercoding or overcoding your ENT's [...] - End Fruitless HPI Rule Search With Inside Scoop
CMS does make this element your ENT's territory Your ENT isn't wasting his time confirming [...] - Reinstate 'Old' J Codes to Get Claims Paid
You-re going to code rescue med supply based on drug -- again If you flagged [...] - You Be the Coder:
Is 69424-69610 Bundle Appealable?
Question: An otolaryngologist places a paper patch (69610) on a patient's right ear and removes [...] - Reader Questions:
Oral Lesions: Check Method, Site
Question: An otolaryngologist plans on treating precancerous multiple mucosal lip lesions with a laser. Should [...] - Reader Questions:
Auditing: Count Otalgia HPI
Question: I-m auditing a note that states: "CC: A patient seen in the office complains [...] - Reader Questions:
Is Cochlear Device Implantation Bilateral?
Question: An otolaryngologist implants a cochlear device with mastoidectomy on both ears. Should I use [...] - Reader Questions:
Call on 24 for New Px at Post-Op Visit
Question: An ENT sees a patient in follow-up for a tympanoplasty (69436, Tympanostomy [requiring insertion [...] - Reader Questions:
Check Carrier's CRP Performer Rule
Question: Can I bill 92700 when an audiologist performs the Epley maneuver? Missouri Subscriber Answer: [...]
