Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Use Modifier When Only 1 Tonsil Comes Out
Question: My doctor and I are having a discussion on the correct way to code a tonsillectomy for a patient 12 or older if only one tonsil is removed. I think I should append a modifier for reduced service. He says that because a tonsillectomy is not a bilateral procedure, I can code it without a modifier whether one or both tonsils are removed. Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Youre correct. When your ENT performs a unilateral tonsillectomy on a patient aged 12 or older, code 42826-52 (Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary; age 12 or over). The codes for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (42820-42836) represent bilateral procedures. Do not append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) when your ENT performs them bilaterally. When your ENT performs the procedure unilaterally, then report the appropriate code and append modifier 52 (Reduced services).
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Bilateral Cochlear Implants Create Programming-Code Dilemma
Professional associations go to bat for audiology coders. If your ENT performs cochlear implants, you\'re [...] - About Cochlear Implant Programming and Adjustments
When a patient receives a cochlear implant, an audiologist must initially program the speech-generating device [...] - Don't Let CCI 15.1's 300,000 Additions Scare You
Most new bundles wont affect your bottom line. If the news about the huge set [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Use Modifier When Only 1 Tonsil Comes Out
Question: My doctor and I are having a discussion on the correct way to code [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Use HCPCS Code for Cerumen Removal Before Test
Question: Ive lost an appeal on 69210 being billed on the same day as 92567. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Use Modifier When Only 1 Tonsil Comes Out
Question: My doctor and I are having a discussion on the correct way to code [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
How to Deal With 2-Shot Allergy Patient
Question: We have a patient who just moved to our area. Her previous physician shipped [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Modifier 58 Describes 2nd Eardrum Repair
Question: Our ENT performed a myringoplasty (69620) with a fat graft. A week later, she [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Call on Unlisted Code for Nasal Injection
Question: How would you code a steroid injection directly into a nasal polyp? Michigan Subscriber [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Modifier 76 Opens Up Inhalation Payment
Question: When I bill two units of 94640, insurers deny the second charge. What am [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Medicare Muddies Ear-Procedure Waters
Question: I have been getting denials for labyrinthotomy by Decadron injection from one of our [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
If Modifier 78, Don't Report E/M
Question: Our patient had a tonsillectomy. Four days later, she came to the ER with [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Can I Code Hospital Admission and Procedure?
Question: Our physician admitted a patient to the hospital for dehydration, dysphagia, and acute tonsillitis. [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
When Can We Report +61795?
Question: Weve been getting rejections lately for +61795. Under what circumstances may we use this [...] - You Be the Coder :
Settle This Debate Over Resection Vs. Coblation
Question: One of my docs says this is a submucous resection turbinectomy. The op report [...]
