Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
CMS Introduces Several New 'Carrier-Priced' HCPCS Codes
You'll be able to report these codes effective July 1. It's not even mid-2011 yet, but you're getting gifted with several new codes that will allow you to collect for devices and materials, including several injectable drugs and wound dressings. CMS has released its quarterly update to the HCPCS code set, with several new codes available to you for reporting purposes starting July 1. These codes are all marked with coverage code "C," which means that they are carrierpriced. Therefore, you'll have to contact your MAC to determine what payment amount you'll be able to collect. The following codes will be part of your HCPCS arsenal starting in July: Suction pumps are often prescribed for patients who have wounds that are slow to heal. Wilate von Willebrand factor complex is a coagulant that is often used for conditions such as hemophilia. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is most often used by obgyn physicians, and belimumab is typically administered to treat lupus patients. To read more about the HCPCS codes introduced for 2011, visit www.cms.gov/HCPCSReleaseCodeSets/02_HCPCS_Quarterly_Update.asp.
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- Part B Payments:
Reprocessed Claims From Last Year Are Headed Your Way Soon, CMS Reps Say
Plus: CMS cagey when asked whether RNs can perform annual wellness visits.The check is in [...] - AWVs:
CMS Offers Quick Annual Wellness Checklist
Your practice might already be on the right track when it comes to documenting and [...] - Accountable Care Organizations:
CMS Outlines How Joining An ACO Will Benefit Practices, Beneficiaries
Under the "shared savings program," ACO participants will collect a portion of the amount CMS [...] - Laboratory Signatures:
CMS Appears Poised to Delay Labs' Physician Signature Requirements Further
Although the agency doesn't specifically rescind the rule, it does indicate that more information will [...] - HCPCS Codes:
CMS Introduces Several New 'Carrier-Priced' HCPCS Codes
You'll be able to report these codes effective July 1.It's not even mid-2011 yet, but [...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to Modifiers 76 or 77 for Repeat Procedure
Note: Modifier 59 won't apply to situations when the physician performs the exact same procedure [...] - Reader Questions:
Does One-Hour E/M Warrant Add-on Prolonged Service Code?
Question: Our physician provided a one hour E/M service, most of which was spent on [...] - Reader Questions:
Follow Drug Dosing Rules to Pick Correct 'J' Code
Question: Depo-Medrol comes in three different strengths, but the code doesn't state how much is [...] - Part B Coding Coach EGD Coding:
Know the 3 Factors That Make Up The Core of These Gastroenterology Procedures
Differentiate "sample collection" from actual biopsy.When your physician ventures into a patient's stomach, say when [...] - Physician Notes:
ICD-9-CM Committee Considers New Diagnoses for Partial Rotator Cuff Tear, Malnutrition, and More
Plus: Physician Gets Jail Time for Home Care FraudOctober 1 might sound far away, but [...] - In other news
The physician involved in a Miami-area home care fraud ring has been sentenced to two [...]
