Pediatric Coding Alert

These 4 characteristics signal $13 screening is appropriate. Do you circle 96110 for asking a few questions at a preventive medicine service? Your improper use of the screening code is fueling 96110-well visit bundles. Instead: Look for these defining factors to avoid unbundling surveillance and ensure meeting 96110's (Developmental testing; limited [e.g., Developmental Screening Test II, Early Language Milestone Screen], with interpretation and report) requirements. Do: Include Basic Questioning in Preventive Medicine Service The Bright Futures Guidelines recommend general developmental surveillance at all preventive medicine services except for the 9-, 18-, and 30-month encounters, which involve formal screenings. The surveillance entails the pediatrician quickly assessing how the child is progressing using questions, explains Charles A. Scott, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Medford Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in New Jersey. "Surveillance does not mean extensive Denver screening." You should consider informal questioning a part of the preventive medicine service. So you would [...]