Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Include In-Office Collection Work in E/M
Question: When an otolaryngologist tests a patient for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the office, may he also bill for acquiring the specimen? To obtain the specimen, the physician takes a swab from the nasal cavity. Answer: CPT doesn't contain a code for taking a nasal-swab specimen. You should consider the work involved in swabbing the nasal cavity as part of the E/M service (99201-99215, Office or other outpatient service for the evaluation and management of a new or established patient ...).
New Hampshire Subscriber
Reminder: If you are performing the RSV test in the office, keep in mind that the RSV test is a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived test. So you must append modifier -QW (CLIA waived test) to the test code (87899, Unlisted microbiology procedure).
You may report 87899-QW for two manufacturer's RSV tests:
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- These Clues Help You Distinguish Between Aspiration and Biopsy
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How to Report Routine Postsurgical Observation
Question: Our otolaryngologist performs tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies (T&As) as an outpatient service. After the surgery, [...] - 1 Easy Way to Keep FNA and PNB Straight
Determine aspiration or biopsy with a glance at this chart
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2005 Fee Schedule Delivers Mixed Bag to ENTs
Although otolaryngologists will benefit from Medicare's slight rate hike in 2005, your total payment could [...] - Reader Questions:
2 Codes Describe Airway Obstruction
Question: Could you please help me with an ICD-9 code for concha bullosa? I have [...] - Reader Questions:
69540 Requires Tube Removal
Question: How should I code for tympanostomy tube and aural polyp removal under general anesthesia? [...] - Reader Questions:
Include In-Office Collection Work in E/M
Question: When an otolaryngologist tests a patient for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the office, [...] - Reader Questions:
Bill Medication, Not Supply With Pulmonary Codes
Question: May an otolaryngologist's office bill methacholine in addition to the bronchospasm test? Also, may [...] - Reader Questions:
Extra Step Changes 21315 to 21320
Question: When choosing between 21315 and 21320, what are acceptable forms of stabilization?
Maine Subscriber
Answer: [...] - Reader Questions:
NCCI Isn't Only Correct Coding Guide
Question: An otolaryngologist reported 12042 and 38542. Is that an appropriate combination?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: Even [...]
