Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
CPT® 2014:
88342, +88343 Clarify Immuno-Stain Coding
Antibody and block define unit of service. You’ve reported some special stain co... Read more
88342, +88343 Clarify Immuno-Stain Coding
Antibody and block define unit of service. You’ve reported some special stain co... Read more
ICD-10:
Zero In on DCIS and 'History' Reporting
Z86.000 beats V13.8 for specificity. You won’t be lumping ductal carcinoma in si... Read more
Zero In on DCIS and 'History' Reporting
Z86.000 beats V13.8 for specificity. You won’t be lumping ductal carcinoma in si... Read more
Drug Testing:
Demystify Toxicology Coding With 4 Steps
Stick with 80100-80104 for ordered screening. Your lab may have high-complexity method... Read more
Demystify Toxicology Coding With 4 Steps
Stick with 80100-80104 for ordered screening. Your lab may have high-complexity method... Read more
Medicare Drug Screen:
G0431, G0434 Define Your Options
Steer clear of 80100’s for this payer. If you’re reporting drug screening ... Read more
G0431, G0434 Define Your Options
Steer clear of 80100’s for this payer. If you’re reporting drug screening ... Read more
Reader Question:
+88177 Pairs With 88172
Question: Is it appropriate to bill 88177 with modifier 59 when the pathologist pe... Read more
+88177 Pairs With 88172
Question: Is it appropriate to bill 88177 with modifier 59 when the pathologist pe... Read more
Reader Question:
87621 Captures HPV Genotyping
Question: Should we bill HPV genotyping by amplified probe technique as 87621 x 2 ... Read more
87621 Captures HPV Genotyping
Question: Should we bill HPV genotyping by amplified probe technique as 87621 x 2 ... Read more
Reader Question:
86828-86829 Include Technical Flow Cytometry
Question: I’ve been told that when reporting new codes for HLA Class I and/or Clas... Read more
86828-86829 Include Technical Flow Cytometry
Question: I’ve been told that when reporting new codes for HLA Class I and/or Clas... Read more
You Be the Coder:
'Container' Doesn't Dictate Specimen
Question: If a surgeon submits multiple needle core breast biopsies in a single containe... Read more
'Container' Doesn't Dictate Specimen
Question: If a surgeon submits multiple needle core breast biopsies in a single containe... Read more
Panels:
Achieve Perfect Panel Coding With 3 Tips
Never list ATP codes on claims. A physician orders a panel of tests, your lab bills on... Read more
Achieve Perfect Panel Coding With 3 Tips
Never list ATP codes on claims. A physician orders a panel of tests, your lab bills on... Read more
ICD-10:
Look to New Apps for ICD-10 Transition Help
Expect deadline to stay the same. If you’re still holding out hope for another I... Read more
Look to New Apps for ICD-10 Transition Help
Expect deadline to stay the same. If you’re still holding out hope for another I... Read more
Skin Case:
Select Procedure Code Once You Pinpoint Diagnosis
Watch out for DSAP ICD-9 trap. Your pathologist receives two skin specimens from the s... Read more
Select Procedure Code Once You Pinpoint Diagnosis
Watch out for DSAP ICD-9 trap. Your pathologist receives two skin specimens from the s... Read more
Reader Question:
Payer and Method Guide Urine Test Code Choice
Question: We bill for urine drug screens (non-chromatographic) in our pain clinic lab us... Read more
Payer and Method Guide Urine Test Code Choice
Question: We bill for urine drug screens (non-chromatographic) in our pain clinic lab us... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Confuse Blood Draw with Analysis
Question: A pulmonologist ordered arterial blood gas analysis to be performed during co... Read more
Don't Confuse Blood Draw with Analysis
Question: A pulmonologist ordered arterial blood gas analysis to be performed during co... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill Recipient & Donor Transplant Suitability Testing
Question: Could you please explain how we should bill for typing by serology for a bone ... Read more
Bill Recipient & Donor Transplant Suitability Testing
Question: Could you please explain how we should bill for typing by serology for a bone ... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch for TC on IHC Slides
Question: A dermatology office sends us a specimen block and asks us to prepare MART-1/M... Read more
Watch for TC on IHC Slides
Question: A dermatology office sends us a specimen block and asks us to prepare MART-1/M... Read more
Reader Question:
Explore MTHFR Codes
Question: What is an MTHFR test for a pregnant patient, and what codes should I report f... Read more
Explore MTHFR Codes
Question: What is an MTHFR test for a pregnant patient, and what codes should I report f... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88237 Code Per Specimen
Question: We set up two tissue cultures from the same bone marrow specimen with two diff... Read more
88237 Code Per Specimen
Question: We set up two tissue cultures from the same bone marrow specimen with two diff... Read more
CPT® 2014 Preview:
Get Ready for New Therapeutic Drug Assay Codes and More
Follow the continuing MAAA payment debate, too. Microbiology, immunohistochemistry, mo... Read more
Get Ready for New Therapeutic Drug Assay Codes and More
Follow the continuing MAAA payment debate, too. Microbiology, immunohistochemistry, mo... Read more
ICD-10:
T86.1_Expands Kidney Transplant Rejection Code Options
996.81 won’t find a direct equivalent in ICD-10. If your lab monitors immunosupp... Read more
T86.1_Expands Kidney Transplant Rejection Code Options
996.81 won’t find a direct equivalent in ICD-10. If your lab monitors immunosupp... Read more
PQRS:
Maximize Potential 'Quality' Pay With These 4 Steps
Avoid big penalties that start in 2015. If you’re already participating in the P... Read more
Maximize Potential 'Quality' Pay With These 4 Steps
Avoid big penalties that start in 2015. If you’re already participating in the P... Read more
Check Out This PQRS Pathology Summary
And see how to do your measure calculation. Pathologists have five possible measures t... Read more
And see how to do your measure calculation. Pathologists have five possible measures t... Read more
Reader Question:
Method and Source Influence Molecular Prep Charge
Question: When our pathologists prepare already-diagnosed tissue for EGFR, KRAS, or BRAF... Read more
Method and Source Influence Molecular Prep Charge
Question: When our pathologists prepare already-diagnosed tissue for EGFR, KRAS, or BRAF... Read more
Reader Question:
Simple Specimen Collection Included
Question: Is there a CPT® code for swabbing a wound to collect fluid to send to a la... Read more
Simple Specimen Collection Included
Question: Is there a CPT® code for swabbing a wound to collect fluid to send to a la... Read more
Reader Question:
Skin Type, Not Location, Drives Code
Question: Our pathologist assessed a large skin specimen from the left side of the face ... Read more
Skin Type, Not Location, Drives Code
Question: Our pathologist assessed a large skin specimen from the left side of the face ... Read more
Reader Question:
Clarification: Include 'Validation' in Drug Screen
Question: I noticed that a reader question from July implied that you can separately bil... Read more
Clarification: Include 'Validation' in Drug Screen
Question: I noticed that a reader question from July implied that you can separately bil... Read more
You Be the Coder:
88321-88325 Rely On 'Case' and Slide Prep
Question: We have three scenarios involving pathology consults on previously diagnosed m... Read more
88321-88325 Rely On 'Case' and Slide Prep
Question: We have three scenarios involving pathology consults on previously diagnosed m... Read more
Surgical Pathology:
88304-88309: Sort Out Small Intestine Specimens To Get the Pay You Deserve
Don’t let the terminology confuse you. Duodenum, polyp, resection for tumor, div... Read more
88304-88309: Sort Out Small Intestine Specimens To Get the Pay You Deserve
Don’t let the terminology confuse you. Duodenum, polyp, resection for tumor, div... Read more
ICD-10:
152 Crosswalks to C17 for Malignant Small Intestine
Expect most details to remain the same. When your pathologist examines a small intesti... Read more
152 Crosswalks to C17 for Malignant Small Intestine
Expect most details to remain the same. When your pathologist examines a small intesti... Read more
2014 Medicare Fee Schedules:
The '1-2-3 Punch' Could Hit Pathology and Laboratory Fees
You can still take advantage of comment period. They’re just proposed rules, bu... Read more
The '1-2-3 Punch' Could Hit Pathology and Laboratory Fees
You can still take advantage of comment period. They’re just proposed rules, bu... Read more
Compliance:
Survive HIPAA Audit With These 5 Tips
Get ready with home-grown audits of your own. The government is on the prowl with rand... Read more
Survive HIPAA Audit With These 5 Tips
Get ready with home-grown audits of your own. The government is on the prowl with rand... Read more
Reader Question:
Site Changes Intraoperative Touch Prep Coding
Question: Please clarify if there’s a difference in how we should bill the followi... Read more
Site Changes Intraoperative Touch Prep Coding
Question: Please clarify if there’s a difference in how we should bill the followi... Read more
Reader Question:
Lab Bills for Lab Work
Question: A neurosurgeon removed the implanted pain pump and catheter. He found some flu... Read more
Lab Bills for Lab Work
Question: A neurosurgeon removed the implanted pain pump and catheter. He found some flu... Read more
Reader Question:
V72.62 Provides Physicians a Specific Ordering Diagnosis
Question: A physician client submits V70.0 as the ordering diagnosis for lab work. The l... Read more
V72.62 Provides Physicians a Specific Ordering Diagnosis
Question: A physician client submits V70.0 as the ordering diagnosis for lab work. The l... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Limit Venipuncture Units
Question: If we have a chart for a hospital outpatient that shows multiple blood draws f... Read more
Limit Venipuncture Units
Question: If we have a chart for a hospital outpatient that shows multiple blood draws f... Read more
Molecular Pathology:
Capture Unit of Service Bonus with G0452 Interpretation
Watch for upcoming MUE. Now that you’re using CPT® Tier 1 and Tier 2 codes (... Read more
Capture Unit of Service Bonus with G0452 Interpretation
Watch for upcoming MUE. Now that you’re using CPT® Tier 1 and Tier 2 codes (... Read more
CCI 19.2:
Choose Specific Codes for Consultation, Bladder Tumor
Know when you can override edits. If your lab performs bladder tumor tests or molecula... Read more
Choose Specific Codes for Consultation, Bladder Tumor
Know when you can override edits. If your lab performs bladder tumor tests or molecula... Read more
ICD-10 Prep:
Crack These Coding Conventions to Prepare the Way for ICD-10
Remember some familiar ICD-9 phrases, too. Each month in these pages you read about IC... Read more
Crack These Coding Conventions to Prepare the Way for ICD-10
Remember some familiar ICD-9 phrases, too. Each month in these pages you read about IC... Read more
OIG Alert:
Recovery Captures $3.8 Billion in Recent 6 Months
Don’t get caught in OIG sweep. You better cross your t’s and dot your i&rs... Read more
Recovery Captures $3.8 Billion in Recent 6 Months
Don’t get caught in OIG sweep. You better cross your t’s and dot your i&rs... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Double Dip for Metabolic Panels
Question: A patient had a lab outpatient draw in the morning for BMP, and a lab ER draw ... Read more
Don't Double Dip for Metabolic Panels
Question: A patient had a lab outpatient draw in the morning for BMP, and a lab ER draw ... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Units for Drug Tests
Question: We have a Medicare patient on pain management, and we performed a 12 drug pane... Read more
Beware Units for Drug Tests
Question: We have a Medicare patient on pain management, and we performed a 12 drug pane... Read more
Reader Question:
ICD-9 Can't Nail Down PUNLMP
Question: What ICD-9 code should I use for a bladder cancer pathology report diagnosis o... Read more
ICD-9 Can't Nail Down PUNLMP
Question: What ICD-9 code should I use for a bladder cancer pathology report diagnosis o... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Date for FOBT
Question: What date of service should our physician office lab use for an FOBT card sent... Read more
Check Date for FOBT
Question: What date of service should our physician office lab use for an FOBT card sent... Read more
Reader Question:
Turn to 88184-88189 for Lymphoma Evaluation
Question: Our lab runs a flow cytometry panel consisting of CD3 (total T cells), CD4, CD... Read more
Turn to 88184-88189 for Lymphoma Evaluation
Question: Our lab runs a flow cytometry panel consisting of CD3 (total T cells), CD4, CD... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Resolve 'Soft Tissue' vs. 'Lipoma' Discrepancy
Question: Our pathologist examined a specimen that the surgeon identified as "soft ... Read more
Resolve 'Soft Tissue' vs. 'Lipoma' Discrepancy
Question: Our pathologist examined a specimen that the surgeon identified as "soft ... Read more
FNA Case:
Focus on Site to Bring Home FNA Pay
Beware ‘pass’ terminology. With multiple specimens and procedures in a sin... Read more
Focus on Site to Bring Home FNA Pay
Beware ‘pass’ terminology. With multiple specimens and procedures in a sin... Read more
ICD-10:
193 to C73: Make This Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Transition
Use additional codes for functional activity. Unlike many conditions that have greater... Read more
193 to C73: Make This Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Transition
Use additional codes for functional activity. Unlike many conditions that have greater... Read more
Molecular Pathology:
Brace Your Practice for Interim Pricing That May Disappoint
Check out the CMS gap-fill amounts with comment period. A fog just lifted on the myste... Read more
Brace Your Practice for Interim Pricing That May Disappoint
Check out the CMS gap-fill amounts with comment period. A fog just lifted on the myste... Read more
MUEs:
Vault Over Your Lab's 'Unit Edit' Hurdles
Discover guidelines to legitimately override edits or appeal claims. CMS’s theo... Read more
Vault Over Your Lab's 'Unit Edit' Hurdles
Discover guidelines to legitimately override edits or appeal claims. CMS’s theo... Read more
Reader Question:
G0431/G0434 Edit Restricts Use
Question: Our lab sometimes performs a G0431 drug screen service on the same date of ser... Read more
G0431/G0434 Edit Restricts Use
Question: Our lab sometimes performs a G0431 drug screen service on the same date of ser... Read more
Reader Question:
Skip Outdated/Bundled Cytology Codes
Question: Our lab performed direct smear and simple filter prep for a bladder washing sp... Read more
Skip Outdated/Bundled Cytology Codes
Question: Our lab performed direct smear and simple filter prep for a bladder washing sp... Read more
You Be the Coder:
V72.6x Needs Help to Show Medical Necessity
Question: When physicians order labs before a procedure, they often identify the reason ... Read more
V72.6x Needs Help to Show Medical Necessity
Question: When physicians order labs before a procedure, they often identify the reason ... Read more
Anatomic Pathology:
88305 vs. G0416: Prostate Biopsy Question Remains
See what CMS’s change from ‘5’ to ‘10’ specimens means for... Read more
88305 vs. G0416: Prostate Biopsy Question Remains
See what CMS’s change from ‘5’ to ‘10’ specimens means for... Read more
ICD-10:
Ramp Up ICD-10 Prep With CMS Resources
Use breather created by partial code freeze. With the ICD-10 implementation just over ... Read more
Ramp Up ICD-10 Prep With CMS Resources
Use breather created by partial code freeze. With the ICD-10 implementation just over ... Read more
CCI FAQs:
5 Answers Sharpen Your Code-Bundling Know-How
Learn when modifiers, ABNs won’t help your bottom line. There’s more to Me... Read more
5 Answers Sharpen Your Code-Bundling Know-How
Learn when modifiers, ABNs won’t help your bottom line. There’s more to Me... Read more
Reader Question:
Test for Gastrin, Not Calcium
Question: Our lab performs a calcium infusion gastrin test with four timed readings for ... Read more
Test for Gastrin, Not Calcium
Question: Our lab performs a calcium infusion gastrin test with four timed readings for ... Read more
Reader Question:
Constrain TC Billing for Hospital Patients
Question: Our pathologist performs a cervical conization specimen exam at our lab for a ... Read more
Constrain TC Billing for Hospital Patients
Question: Our pathologist performs a cervical conization specimen exam at our lab for a ... Read more
Reader Question:
Limit Pathology and Consultation with Mohs
Question: We are a dermatopathology lab with a Mohs surgeon on staff who has a separate ... Read more
Limit Pathology and Consultation with Mohs
Question: We are a dermatopathology lab with a Mohs surgeon on staff who has a separate ... Read more
Reader Question:
Revert to Ordering Dx for Normal Pap
Question: What’s the correct diagnosis code for a negative anal Pap screening? ... Read more
Revert to Ordering Dx for Normal Pap
Question: What’s the correct diagnosis code for a negative anal Pap screening? ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Billing Entity Drives Code Selection
Question: We are a pathology group that is contracted with the hospital to perform all p... Read more
Billing Entity Drives Code Selection
Question: We are a pathology group that is contracted with the hospital to perform all p... Read more
CCI 19.1:
Choose 1 Gene-Specific or HLA Test Code
Watch modifier indicator for override options. Your lab faces nearly 75 new edit pairs... Read more
Choose 1 Gene-Specific or HLA Test Code
Watch modifier indicator for override options. Your lab faces nearly 75 new edit pairs... Read more
ICD-10:
Get Ready for NCD Changes to Parallel ICD-10 Implementation
Your ‘covered diagnoses’ lists will accommodate new code set. You know tha... Read more
Get Ready for NCD Changes to Parallel ICD-10 Implementation
Your ‘covered diagnoses’ lists will accommodate new code set. You know tha... Read more
Dermatopathology:
17311-17315: 4 Tips Maximize Mohs Pay
Don’t miss add-ons and separate services. Riddle: When is a pathologist not just... Read more
17311-17315: 4 Tips Maximize Mohs Pay
Don’t miss add-ons and separate services. Riddle: When is a pathologist not just... Read more
POS Update:
Beware Place-of-Service Misinformation
CMS still promises path/lab instruction. The place of service (POS) implementation dea... Read more
Beware Place-of-Service Misinformation
CMS still promises path/lab instruction. The place of service (POS) implementation dea... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Lose Pay for Inadequate FNA
Question: Our pathologist examined an FNA of right thryoid, specimen, which was inadequa... Read more
Don't Lose Pay for Inadequate FNA
Question: Our pathologist examined an FNA of right thryoid, specimen, which was inadequa... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Ordering Diagnosis, Indication for 89321 Coverage
Question: Our Medicare contractor is denying payment for 89321, whether we’re bill... Read more
Check Ordering Diagnosis, Indication for 89321 Coverage
Question: Our Medicare contractor is denying payment for 89321, whether we’re bill... Read more
Reader Question:
Devolve to Test Codes for 'Incomplete' Panel
Question: If a physician orders every test of the renal panel except albumin, should I b... Read more
Devolve to Test Codes for 'Incomplete' Panel
Question: If a physician orders every test of the renal panel except albumin, should I b... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Unpublished MUEs
Question: Our pathologist received 13 colon biopsy specimens from a follow-up colonoscop... Read more
Beware Unpublished MUEs
Question: Our pathologist received 13 colon biopsy specimens from a follow-up colonoscop... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Modify Claim for MUE Success
Question: Sometimes our pathologist exceeds the MUE for tests such as FNA exam. Are we a... Read more
Modify Claim for MUE Success
Question: Sometimes our pathologist exceeds the MUE for tests such as FNA exam. Are we a... Read more
CPT® 2013:
38243 Captures HPC Boost for Transplant Patients
Drop ‘stem cell’ terminology — use ‘hematopoietic progenitor&rsq... Read more
38243 Captures HPC Boost for Transplant Patients
Drop ‘stem cell’ terminology — use ‘hematopoietic progenitor&rsq... Read more
ICD-10:
Expand Documentation for AML
You’ll need more diagnostic information for HPC transplant patients. "Acute... Read more
Expand Documentation for AML
You’ll need more diagnostic information for HPC transplant patients. "Acute... Read more
Bronchial Specimens:
4 Tips Help You Capture Each Step of This Complex Case
Beware FNA and cytopathology pitfalls. When your pathologist examines multiple specime... Read more
4 Tips Help You Capture Each Step of This Complex Case
Beware FNA and cytopathology pitfalls. When your pathologist examines multiple specime... Read more
Molecular Pathology:
81200-81479 Gapfill Precursors Trickle In
Payment unknowns turn to grim predictions for molecular labs. It’s anybody&rs... Read more
81200-81479 Gapfill Precursors Trickle In
Payment unknowns turn to grim predictions for molecular labs. It’s anybody&rs... Read more
Reader Question:
Unravel 'Scar' Code Choices
Question: When our pathologist examines scar tissue, or tissue with a diagnosis related ... Read more
Unravel 'Scar' Code Choices
Question: When our pathologist examines scar tissue, or tissue with a diagnosis related ... Read more
Reader Question:
88302 -- Not Just for Listed Specimens
Question: Should we only and always use 88302 for any specimen in which our pathologist ... Read more
88302 -- Not Just for Listed Specimens
Question: Should we only and always use 88302 for any specimen in which our pathologist ... Read more
Reader Question:
Skip 88173 for Adequacy Check
Question: Our pathologist examined an FNA specimen from a nodule in the right oropharyng... Read more
Skip 88173 for Adequacy Check
Question: Our pathologist examined an FNA specimen from a nodule in the right oropharyng... Read more
Reader Question:
86386 Specifies NMP22
Question: Our physician office lab recently began performing the urine BladderChek test ... Read more
86386 Specifies NMP22
Question: Our physician office lab recently began performing the urine BladderChek test ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Lose Out on FISH Charges
Question: We perform FISH, and we’re wondering how to bill when we have already pr... Read more
Don't Lose Out on FISH Charges
Question: We perform FISH, and we’re wondering how to bill when we have already pr... Read more
CCI 19.0:
Additional Bundles Target New CPT® 2013 Codes
Add hundreds of pairs to your ‘restricted list.’ Each year brings new, rev... Read more
Additional Bundles Target New CPT® 2013 Codes
Add hundreds of pairs to your ‘restricted list.’ Each year brings new, rev... Read more
ICD-10:
277.0 to E84 Scrambles Cystic Fibrosis Codes
Prepare to change Dx coding for CF screening. If you’re reporting the screening ... Read more
277.0 to E84 Scrambles Cystic Fibrosis Codes
Prepare to change Dx coding for CF screening. If you’re reporting the screening ... Read more
CPT® 2013:
81401: Find 32 'Camouflaged' Tier 2 Tests
Check out online AMA errata and symposium resources. Glancing through the Tier 2 molec... Read more
81401: Find 32 'Camouflaged' Tier 2 Tests
Check out online AMA errata and symposium resources. Glancing through the Tier 2 molec... Read more
News You Can Use:
You're Saved From 26.5 Percent Physician Pay Cut
But RVU changes still in effect. Pathologists, along with all practitioners paid on th... Read more
You're Saved From 26.5 Percent Physician Pay Cut
But RVU changes still in effect. Pathologists, along with all practitioners paid on th... Read more
Reader Question:
Exercise Caution With Lumpectomy Margins
Question: The pathologist examines a specimen that the surgeon labels “breast... Read more
Exercise Caution With Lumpectomy Margins
Question: The pathologist examines a specimen that the surgeon labels “breast... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Ordering ICD-9 for Clinical Tests
Question: A physician orders an IFE test for a patient with protein in the urine. W... Read more
Use Ordering ICD-9 for Clinical Tests
Question: A physician orders an IFE test for a patient with protein in the urine. W... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick Most Extensive Respiratory Virus Code
Question: Our lab tests a bronchial lavage specimen for respiratory viruses by mult... Read more
Pick Most Extensive Respiratory Virus Code
Question: Our lab tests a bronchial lavage specimen for respiratory viruses by mult... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Billing "Reflex" Manual Diff
Question: In our lab, when a CBC with automated diff is ordered and then flagged by... Read more
Avoid Billing "Reflex" Manual Diff
Question: In our lab, when a CBC with automated diff is ordered and then flagged by... Read more
Reader Question:
786.50 Updates PT NCD
Question: When our lab bills for PT ordered for a patient with unspecified chest p... Read more
786.50 Updates PT NCD
Question: When our lab bills for PT ordered for a patient with unspecified chest p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve Dx for 'Normal Tissue' Dilemma
Question: Our pathologist examines a portion of rib removed for thoracic outlet syn... Read more
Solve Dx for 'Normal Tissue' Dilemma
Question: Our pathologist examines a portion of rib removed for thoracic outlet syn... Read more
CPT® 2013:
Maneuver CPT® and CMS Instructions' Split Decision for MAAA Coding
To use or not to use the new codes: that is the question. As with last year’s ne... Read more
Maneuver CPT® and CMS Instructions' Split Decision for MAAA Coding
To use or not to use the new codes: that is the question. As with last year’s ne... Read more
ICD-10:
543.9 Ruptures into Many More-Specific ICD-10 Appendix Codes
Go beyond ‘other’ and ‘unspecified’. When ICD-9 yields to ICD-... Read more
543.9 Ruptures into Many More-Specific ICD-10 Appendix Codes
Go beyond ‘other’ and ‘unspecified’. When ICD-9 yields to ICD-... Read more
CPT® 2013:
MAAA Line-up: Get Familiar With 9 New Algorithm Codes
The following new CPT® 2013 codes represent individual MAAA tests: 81500 --... Read more
MAAA Line-up: Get Familiar With 9 New Algorithm Codes
The following new CPT® 2013 codes represent individual MAAA tests: 81500 --... Read more
2013 Fee Schedules:
Prep for These Cuts Under Medicare CLFS and PFS
Watch for SRG relief by year’s end. The word is in -- expect less pay for y... Read more
Prep for These Cuts Under Medicare CLFS and PFS
Watch for SRG relief by year’s end. The word is in -- expect less pay for y... Read more
Medical Records:
Audit Proof Your Pathology Reports
Follow new CMS guidelines when you must make changes. Pretty much every pathologist ha... Read more
Audit Proof Your Pathology Reports
Follow new CMS guidelines when you must make changes. Pretty much every pathologist ha... Read more
Reader Question:
88141 Still a Roadblock for Some Payers
Question: We are having problems with 88141 for Aetna patients. They are denying them as... Read more
88141 Still a Roadblock for Some Payers
Question: We are having problems with 88141 for Aetna patients. They are denying them as... Read more
Reader Question:
Method Dictates Cytology Code
Question: Our pathologist received 2cc colorless, slightly hazy fluid from bronchial lav... Read more
Method Dictates Cytology Code
Question: Our pathologist received 2cc colorless, slightly hazy fluid from bronchial lav... Read more
Reader Question:
Hematologist Might Use ED Codes
Question: An emergency department (ED) physician asked our hematologist/pathologist to t... Read more
Hematologist Might Use ED Codes
Question: An emergency department (ED) physician asked our hematologist/pathologist to t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Beware 'Noncontributory' Language
Question: Our pathologist examined three distinct cytology specimens and documented cell... Read more
Beware 'Noncontributory' Language
Question: Our pathologist examined three distinct cytology specimens and documented cell... Read more
CPT® 2013:
81200-81479: Get Ready for Molecular Pathology Overhaul
Don't miss 'unlisted' molecular code 81479. You had over 100 new molecular codes in 2012 ... Read more
81200-81479: Get Ready for Molecular Pathology Overhaul
Don't miss 'unlisted' molecular code 81479. You had over 100 new molecular codes in 2012 ... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
3 Tips Focus Your ICD-9 Code Choice
Avoid ‘unspecified’ codes -- choose test’s ‘reason’ i... Read more
3 Tips Focus Your ICD-9 Code Choice
Avoid ‘unspecified’ codes -- choose test’s ‘reason’ i... Read more
Newsbrief:
All Eyes Turn to Medicare Cuts Following Election
Fiscal outlook brings worries. Like everyone else, you're probably watching Washington, D... Read more
All Eyes Turn to Medicare Cuts Following Election
Fiscal outlook brings worries. Like everyone else, you're probably watching Washington, D... Read more
Molecular Pathology:
Say Goodbye to 83912 -- And Hello to G0452
Solve physician professional pay problem. As CPT® 2013 jettisons 83912 (Molecular ... Read more
Say Goodbye to 83912 -- And Hello to G0452
Solve physician professional pay problem. As CPT® 2013 jettisons 83912 (Molecular ... Read more
ICD-10:
V84 to Z15: Don't Expect Big Changes for Genetic Test Results
Follow one-to-one crosswalk. Despite a major CPT® revamping of genetic test codes ... Read more
V84 to Z15: Don't Expect Big Changes for Genetic Test Results
Follow one-to-one crosswalk. Despite a major CPT® revamping of genetic test codes ... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Payer for Multiple Anatomic Pathology Services
Question: I've always billed multiple anatomic pathology services (such as 88300, 88... Read more
Check Payer for Multiple Anatomic Pathology Services
Question: I've always billed multiple anatomic pathology services (such as 88300, 88... Read more
Reader Question:
Skip Mohs Codes or Lose TC Pay
Question: Our lab prepares the slides for the surgeon that performs Mohs. Can we charge a... Read more
Skip Mohs Codes or Lose TC Pay
Question: Our lab prepares the slides for the surgeon that performs Mohs. Can we charge a... Read more
Reader Question:
Cut Losses for Lymph Node 'Scrape'
Question: Our pathologist cuts a lymph node, then touches slides to each half, and stains... Read more
Cut Losses for Lymph Node 'Scrape'
Question: Our pathologist cuts a lymph node, then touches slides to each half, and stains... Read more
You Be the Coder:
87621 Leads High Risk HPV
Question: When our lab performs a high risk HPV screening that returns positive, we then ... Read more
87621 Leads High Risk HPV
Question: When our lab performs a high risk HPV screening that returns positive, we then ... Read more