Otolaryngology Coding Alert

This ammo will help you combat insurer's autotransplantation base-code snafu.You can boost a claim involving 60240 by more than $240 when you meet 60512's criteria.Reporting +60512 (Parathyroid autotransplantation [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) can add about $240 to a thyroidectomy claim (the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns 6.55 total relative value units to 60512; 6.55 RVUs x 2010 conversion factor of 36.879 = $241.52).But 60512 carries two requirements. Experts show you how to usurp one "R," removal of four glands, and how to avoid a common payment policy glitch involving the second "R," report with correct base code.Use 60512 When ENT Removes 4 GlandsBefore green lighting a claim for 60512, look for documentation that supports the full procedure. When the op report indicates the otolaryngologist performed only a portion of 60512, correct procedural terminology requires you to use a modifier.Consider this scenario: Is it appropriate to [...]