Advanced Search

Revenue Cycle Insider

Pediatric Coding:

Don’t Be Stumped by This Bumpy Visit

Published on Wed Feb 18, 2026

You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:

Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles of

February 2026

Otolaryngology Coding:
Note the Ins and Outs of PE Tube Procedures
Question: How should we code for pressure-equalizing (PE) tube insertion (tympanostomy)? What about ear tube [...]

General Surgery Coding:
Cut the Confusion From Thyroidectomies
Become fully confident in your partial thyroidectomy coding. The process of selecting the correct code [...]

Podiatry Coding:
Learn Key Strategies to Help Get Your Foot Neuroma Claims Approved
Plus: Discover common documentation errors. Forefoot pain is one of the most common complaints seen [...]

Cardiology Coding:
Report Certain Deficits With Specific Dx Codes
Question: A cardiologist documented that a patient has cognitive deficits after and due to a [...]

Cardiology Coding:
Gather More Information for Correct ECMO Cannula Replacement Coding
Question: A provider documents replacement of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannula but doesn’t specify [...]

Urology Coding:
Are These Urology Coding Pitfalls Putting Your Payments in Peril?
Find out if you’re using pre- and post-op modifiers correctly. Accurate coding in urology is [...]

Anesthesia Coding:
Check Imaging Used Before Selecting Injection Code
Question: A provider used ultrasound guidance when performing an injection in the zygapophyseal joint. Is [...]

Technology & Innovation in Healthcare:
Unlock Access to Wearable Devices Through New CMS and FDA Programs
Learn how innovative programs will speed up device integration. According to the Centers for Disease [...]

Neurosurgery Coding:
Nail the Approach and Anatomy Details for Vertebral Excision Coding
Anterior or posterior? Your coding depends on the answer. Patients who report to the neurosurgeon [...]

Pulmonology Coding:
Does Uncertain Behavior Mean the Same as Unspecified?
Question: I have an encounter note from a visit with a 50-year-old patient who presented [...]

General Surgery Coding:
Snip the Confusion From This Tonsillitis Case
Question: An 11-year-old patient with a history of tonsillitis presented to our department with a [...]

Technology & Innovation in Healthcare:
Receive Guidance on Managing Privacy and Consent
Question: I understand that interoperability and data sharing is important to providing healthcare to patients [...]

Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Stay Sharp to Nail the Right Sacroiliac Joint Treatment Code
PM specialist could perform several services to treat these injuries. A common complaint by patients [...]

Compliance:
Watch Out for This Pre-Charting Risk
Question: What can I say to my providers to help them understand the risks of [...]

ICD-10-CM Coding:
Catch the Correct Code for Cleft Palate Imaging
Question: A pregnant patient was seen by a neonatologist due to the fetus having a [...]

E/M Coding:
Make MDM Documentation More Provider-Friendly With These Expert Tips
Hint: If you’re going to use a template, check it for accuracy. The 2021 changes [...]

Path/Lab Coding:
Understand These 2 Scenarios, Receive Pap Claim Pay
Question: The lab performed a liquid-based Pap test that the physician ordered, which we billed [...]

Pulmonology Coding:
Remember to Consider Face-to-Face Services for New/Established Patient Status
Question: A patient came into our pulmonology practice for a pulmonary function test (PFT) in [...]

Podiatry Coding:
Nail Down Nerve Conduction Studies Coding
Question: A patient presented to a podiatry clinic with complaints of persistent numbness and tingling [...]

General Coding:
Use This Tip When Reporting Bilateral Procedure
Question: A patient came in with lacerations on both eyelids. Do I need to use [...]

Compliance:
Bolster Your Compliance With a Global Approach
Don’t focus so much on billing and coding that you miss compliance weak spots elsewhere. [...]

Otolaryngology Coding:
Look to CPT Definitions, Descriptors for FBR Guidance
Take note of these documentation best practices. Foreign body removals (FBRs) are commonly performed in [...]

Optometry/Ophthalmology Coding:
Ace Your Corneal Transplant Coding With These Guidelines
Find out the differences between DSEK, DMEK, and DALK. Corneal transplantation has evolved dramatically over [...]

Optometry/Ophthalmology Coding:
Look to H43.8- to Code a Vitreous Detachment Diagnosis
Question: A 65-year-old new patient presented with floaters in their vision. The optometrist performed a [...]

Urology Coding:
Straighten Out How to Code Testicular Torsion
Question: I have a report where a patient presented to the emergency department (ED) with [...]

Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Choose Single Code for These Paralysis Patients
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from sudden, unexplained muscle paralysis in the [...]

Orthopedic Coding:
Pinpoint the Correct Codes for Pediatric Orthopedic Cases
Find out how to code limb length discrepancies. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons represent a small segment [...]

Path/Lab Coding:
Know Payer Preference for Coding Multiple Units on Same DOS
Question: Our pathologist received and examined three separately identified skin lesion specimens from different body [...]

Neurosurgery:
Suture Count Matters When Choosing Correct Craniectomy Code
Question: The neurosurgeon is treating a 6-month-old patient with non-deformational dolichocephaly who needs a craniectomy [...]

Medicare Regulations:
Get Ready for the New Medicare Claim Edit for Hospice Patients
Question: Our manager talked to clinical and office staff about proper application of condition code [...]

Optometry/Ophthalmology Coding:
Do All Cataract Surgeries Mean a High Level of MDM?
Question: During a recent visit with an established patient, the ophthalmologist explained that the severity [...]

Podiatry Coding:
Cut Away Callus Removal Confusion
Question: I have an encounter note for a patient who presented with a painful callus [...]

Technology & Innovation in Healthcare:
Be Transparent With Patients When Asking About AI Use in the Exam Room
Question: Do you have any tips on how to handle getting patient consent for the [...]

General Coding:
Use These Codes When Your Patient Phones From Home
Question: Which codes are appropriate to use for audio-only medical phone encounters? AAPC Forum Participant [...]

Primary Care Coding:
Report E/M and Signs and Symptoms, Too
Question: A patient’s medical chart says that the provider spent 20 minutes in a telehealth [...]

Urology Coding:
Are Cognitive MRI Fusion Biopsies Reported With MRI Fusion Codes?
Question: Some of our urologists perform a cognitive MRI fusion transrectal or transperineal prostate biopsy. [...]

Orthopedic Coding:
Relieve the Pain of Coding This Bunion Removal Case
Question: A patient presented to the orthopedic practice with pain and deformity in the right [...]

Ob-Gyn Coding:
Is 76815 or 76816 Appropriate for a 36-Week Growth Scan?
Question: A patient pregnant at 36 weeks came into our ob-gyn practice for a growth [...]

In Case You Missed It (RCI Bonus Content):
Demystify Prorating in Obstetrics
Use this handy, practical guide for medical coders. One of the most common tasks in [...]

General Coding:
Questioning Your Grasp on Queries? Look to This Advice
When querying the practitioner, be aware not only of your tone, but of their time. [...]

Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Use 72081-72084 to Report Scoliosis Evaluation X-rays
Question: A patient presented for a scoliosis evaluation, and their physician ordered cervical, thoracic, and [...]

Emergency Department Coding:
Take 3 Steps to Accurately Report Shoulder Injury Care in the ED
Hint: Modifiers will be key for collecting maximum pay for your services. Shoulder injuries are [...]

Primary Care Coding:
Consider Symptoms vs. Screening When Coding STIs
Don’t forget to consider prolonged service codes when warranted. When a patient is diagnosed with [...]

Pediatric Coding:
Don’t Be Stumped by This Bumpy Visit
Question: I have an pediatrician that wants to charge for the evaluation and management (E/M) [...]

E/M Coding:
Don’t Bill This Suture Removal Scenario as Incident-To
Question: A nurse practitioner (NP) at my practice removed sutures from a patient who received [...]

Practice Management:
Know How to Manage Employees Who Exceed Their Allotted Sick Days
Question: One of our employees has already used all of their allotted sick days but [...]

Emergency Department Coding:
Don’t Short Yourself Deserved Pay for This Splint Placement
Question: A patient reports to the emergency department (ED) complaining of severe pain in their [...]

Orthopedic Coding:
Do You Need an E/M Code for an Injection Procedure?
Question: I have a report for an encounter where an established patient presented for a [...]

Neurosurgery Coding:
Roll Some Tests Into E/M When Checking for Sciatica
Question: A new patient reports to the neurosurgeon complaining of pain in their left leg, [...]

Path/Lab Coding:
Get Up to Speed With the 2026 Category 1 and PLA Code Changes
Also, gain valuable insights into CLFS payments. In January, path/lab coders saw updates to both [...]

Primary Care Coding:
Find Clarity Coding This Perioral Dermatitis Encounter
Question: The notes for a primary care encounter say: Patient scheduled an appointment with their [...]

E/M Coding:
Rely on E/M to Report This Physical Exam Component
Question: A provider in my office examined a patient with male anatomy worried about a [...]

Gastroenterology Coding:
Find Out When to Use a History of UC Code
Question: When can ulcerative colitis (UC) in remission be called history of UC? Does the [...]

Gastroenterology Coding:
Pinpoint the Correct EGD Code for This Gastritis Case
Question: I have an op note for a diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure. The patient presented [...]

Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Can You Report Technical and Professional Components on Different Dates of Service?
Question: What date of service (DOS) should we use for billing the professional component of [...]

Practice Management:
Make Sure Staff Use Their Individual Logins
Question: I work for an independent practice that is being purchased by a larger organization. [...]

Compliance:
Look to Location-Specific Guidance for These Documentation Attestations
Question: How much time does a physician have to make an attestation for documentation that [...]

Pediatric Coding:
Use These New Immunization Counseling Codes in Your Practice, Part 2
Documentation will be key to new code reimbursement. Last month, Revenue Cycle Insider discussed in detail three [...]

Ob-Gyn Coding:
Learn How to Code a Repeat Pap Smear Plus UTI Evaluation
Question: A Medicare patient who is high risk due to their sexual behavior came in [...]

Medicare Regulations:
Don’t Use Q6 for Global Services or Fees
Question: I work for a surgical practice, and one of our providers is going out [...]

Gastroenterology Coding:
Learn 9 Tips for Demystifying Cirrhosis Coding
Pay attention to whether the cirrhosis is specified and whether complications are present. Struggling to navigate the tangled [...]

Oncology/Hematology Coding:
Take These 3 Steps to Determine Correct Lesion Removal Code
Question: A post-mastectomy patient with a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, coded to C50.911, went [...]

Emergency Department Coding:
Do Extra Leg Work for This Unspecified Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from an acute embolism in their right [...]

ICD-10-CM Coding:
Back to ICD-10-CM Basics: Every Fundamental That Coders Need to Know
Whether you’re new to coding or you’re a seasoned professional, mastering the basics of ICD-10-CM [...]

Oncology/Hematology Coding:
Know When to Tie Receptor Status Codes to Breast Cancer Dx
Question: If a patient has current breast cancer, instructions for the C50.- codes tell you [...]

Practice Management:
Take These 6 Tips to Ensure Workplace Safety
Let OSHA standards and recommendations be your guide. In 2020, more workers in healthcare and [...]

Pulmonology Coding:
Identify the Correct ICD-10-CM Codes for Cystic Fibrosis
Use 4th and 5th characters for CF with manifestations. According to the Cystic Fibrosis [...]

ICD-10-CM Coding:
Remember the 7th Character in Complication Coding
Question: I work at a behavioral health facility that offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment. [...]

Medicare Regulations:
Fight Back Against Parenteral Nutrition Claim Denials
Don’t let parenteral nutrition claims tank your patient care, compliance, or revenue cycle. Parenteral nutrition [...]

Oncology/Hematology Coding:
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Ovarian Cancer Coding Questions
Understand functional activity to paint the complete picture. Even the most experienced oncology coder can [...]

Pediatric Coding:
Don’t Sugarcoat This Gummy Encounter
Question: A 14-year-old existing patient was brought into our office after their parent found them [...]

Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Code Head, Brain, and Neck CT Scans With This Detailed Guide – Part 1
Explore the many reasons why head, brain, and neck CT scans are performed. Computed tomography [...]

General Surgery Coding:
Assess These Ablation Differences
Question: The surgeon’s operative report mentions they used laser ablation to control the patient’s bleeding [...]

Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Name Gait Abnormality, Nail Dx Coding
Question: If a patient has a diagnosis of abnormal gait, am I able to assign [...]

Anesthesia Coding:
How to Code Services Involving Triple Lumen Catheters
Know which CPT® codes to look to for insertion, repair, replacement, and removal. A triple [...]

Ob-Gyn Coding:
Use This Practical Guide to Confidently Code Obstetric Ultrasounds
Learn the difference between a standard complete exam and a detailed fetal anatomic exam. Obstetric [...]

Otolaryngology Coding:
Pick These Codes Only for Post-Surgical Tonsillectomy Care
Question: I have a question about the tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy hemostasis codes (42960-42972). Are they for use [...]

Anesthesia Coding:
Rely on Areola Tissue Definition for Correct Procedure Code
Question: How is an injection to the areola coded? My provider wants me to use [...]

Cardiology Coding:
Atrial Fibrillation Ablations: A Practical Guide to Submitting Medical Claims, Part 2
Don’t forget to distinguish between the primary procedure code and add-on codes. Knowing how to [...]

View All