Pediatric Coding Alert
Stick Your Neck Out for Correct ROS Choice
Question: Our doctors use the phrase "neck is supple" all the time in their documentation. We are virtually ignoring it because we don't really know which part of the physical exam it should accompany. Can I count it anywhere without elaboration from the doctor? Kansas Subscriber Answer: You are certainly not the only coder struggling here: This phrasing is a common problem, because "neck" is technically a body area rather than an organ system. In the end, the physician should locate the system. Some coders consider "neck is supple" as part of the musculoskeletal exam, while others consider it to be part of the lymph or neurological system. You may also want to consider the reason for the physician's exam.
Pediatric Coding Alert
- NCCI 10.2 Bundles Lidocaine Into Hundreds of Procedures
If you were billing J2001 with your injections, the latest edits will get your attention [...] - Top-3 Q&A's for Billing Rocephin With Lidocaine
Don't let J2000 deletion stand in the way of proper reimbursement Have your lidocaine code [...] - You Be the Coder:
Base Follow-Up Diagnosis on Initial Visit
Question: In the July 2004 issue of Pediatric Coding Alert, you gave an example of [...] - 99211 & PPDs:
Don't Lose Out on Ethical Reimbursement
Not billing CPT 99211 for PPD readings? You could be losing $21 per [...] - Reader Question:
No-Show? No Code
Question: We regularly have patients who don't show up for their appointments and don't tell [...] - Reader Question:
Swallow the Cost of Tylenol
Question: Is there a HCPCS code for the supply of Tylenol for a sick [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Abuse Consultation Codes
Question: I can't seem to collect reimbursement for CPT 99401 when I report [...] - Reader Question:
John Hancock Alone Might Not Cut It for EKGs
Question: Our doctors think that since our electrocardiogram (EKG) machine generates a computerized interpretation, they [...] - Reader Question:
Report E/M Code for Ear Wick
Question: Which code should we report for an ear wick? Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: Ear-wick insertion [...] - Reader Question:
X-Ray Interpretation Only? Add -26
Question: How should we report a scenario in which the physician did not take x-rays [...] - Reader Question:
Stick Your Neck Out for Correct ROS Choice
Question: Our doctors use the phrase "neck is supple" all the time in their documentation. [...] - Reader Question:
Breathe Easy When Coding Asthma Visits
Question: One of our asthma patients presented with a little chest tightness and required a [...] - Reader Question:
Use 29075 for Short Arm Cast Replacements - Reader Question:
Code for Both DDST-II and E/M
Question: A parent brought her 11-month-old in for testing for delayed language development. My pediatrician [...] - Don't Shy Away From Time When Reporting Child Abuse Exams
Coding for possible and obvious trauma cases can be easy if you know what to [...] - Can't Confirm Abuse? Specific Exam Codes Are the Answer
Signs and symptoms or V code may be your key in these situations If you [...] - Reader Question:
Look for Signs of Abuse
Question: What are some of the signs of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse in a [...] - You Be the Expert:
Rape Codes
Question: What codes should I report for a rape exam for a 10-year-old female patient? [...]
