Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Plus:  AHIMA supports the move to ICD-10 -- but disagrees with the timeline, asking CMS for more time.

With all the discussion of new CPT codes, it's easy to let the new Category III codes fall through the cracks. But CPT 2009 will offer a few Category III codes for you to use effective Jan. 1. A sampling of the new Category III codes follows:

• 0184T -- Excision of rectal tumor, transanal endoscopic microsurgical appraoch (ie, TEMS)

• 0186T -- Suprachoroidal delivery of pharmacologic agent [does not include supply of medication]

• 0188T -- Remote real-time interactive video-conferenced critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient; first 30-74 minutes

• 0195T -- Arthrodesis, pre-sacral interbody technique, including instrumentation, imaging (when performed), and discectomy to prepare interspace, lumbar; single interspace

As with the Category I 2009CPT codes, you'll have to wait until CMS releases the 2009 Fee Schedule before it's clear whether Medicare will reimburse you for these new codes.

In other news ...

• The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) thinks ICD-10 is a positive move for the industry -- but contends that health care practitioners need more time to adapt to the new system.

According to an Oct. 10 letter from AHIMA's Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Dan Rode, MBA, FHFMA, an additional year would help practices adjust to the code set.

"AHIMA urges HHS to issue a final rule for the implementation of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS before the end of this year and establish an ICD-10 and ICD-10-PCS implementation date that is no later than Oct. 1, 2012," the letter indicates.

This would allow practices an extra year -- the current proposed implementation date is Oct. 1, 2011.

To read the entire AHIMA letter, visit http://www.ahima.org/icd10/documents/comments_icd10_nprm.pdf.