Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
CCI 15.2 Scraps Applied Neurostimulator Edit
Look for new edits that affect eye exam codes, anesthesia, and vent management.
The new version of CCI, which takes effect on July 1, does bundle 64550 (Application of surface [transcutaneous] neurostimulator) into several anesthesia codes (such as 01920 and 01922), "but this is nothing considering that code was bundled into practically every other code in CPT prior to the new CCI deletions," says Atlanta-based coding consultant Jay Neal.
Anesthesia affected:
Of the 3,565 new edit pairs, a full 65 percent of the column 1 codes are in the 00100-01999 range, according to analysis by Frank Cohen, senior analyst with MIT Solutions, Inc. This means that more services than ever are bundled into anesthesia codes.IV push:
You'll find code +96376 (Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection; each additional sequential intravenous push of the same substance/drug provided in a facility ...) bundled into most of the radiology codes and some of the echocardiography codes.Mutually exclusive:
CCI created just six new mutually exclusive edits, now bundling E/M codes 92002, 92012, and 92014 into eye exam codes 92018 and 92019. You cannot use a modifier to separate these edits.Plus:
Eye exam codes 92018 and 92019 also now bundle into most of the eye surgery codes. You can use a modifier to separate these edits.Swapped pairs:
You'll find several edit pairs that have leaped from column 1 to column 2, and vice versa. For example, several of the E/M codes (such as 99201-99215) were bundled into code 94662 (Continuous negative pressure ventilation, initiation and management) in the past. Effective July 1, 94662 will instead be bundled into the E/M codes.Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- CORRECT CODING INITIATIVE:
CCI 15.2 Scraps Applied Neurostimulator Edit
Look for new edits that affect eye exam codes, anesthesia, and vent management. The Correct [...] - CARRIER SPOTLIGHT:
Don't Expect Electronic PECOS Signatures in the Near Future
CMS still wants certification statements. Medicare carriers are just as eager as you are for [...] - COLLECTIONS:
3 Steps Increase Your Collections Success Rate
Improve collections rates and lower write-off amounts with expert advice. With Medicare payments dropping all [...] - COLLECTIONS:
Get Results for Your Collections Efforts -- Know What to Say to Patients Who Owe
Ask your staff members to use this handy script when they call patients -- that way, [...] - READER QUESTION:
Factor in Range of Service When Coding Visit With Obese Patient
If you use modifier 22, make sure your documentation is crystal clear. Question: Recently, our [...] - PART B CODING COACH:
3 Expert Answers Can Relieve Your Consultation Coding Fears
Caution: Avoid adding a consultation charge to every surgical procedure that your physician performs. Consultation [...] - PHYSICIAN NOTES:
CMS Scraps Timeliness Advice From Recent CMS-855 Transmittal
Plus: Medicare fraud strike force nails 53 individuals who billed more than $50 million in [...] - In other news ...• The Medicare fraud strike force struck again, nailing 53 people who billed more than $50 million in false Medicare claims in Michigan.
The strike force actions in Detroit targeted "53 individuals who are accused of various Medicare [...]
