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Eli's Rehab Report

3 Steps Take the Tension Out of Your TENS Unit Coding
Bonus:  Learn how to navigate TENS trial periodsWhen you code for transcutaneous elec... Read more
NCCI 11.3 Update:
Tap Into New Injection Edits or Face a Denial
Reporting a sub-q injection with an office visit?  Think againIf you're reporting dia... Read more
CPT 2006 Update:
Be Prepared to Revamp Consult Coding
You'll cheer when you find out how this change will benefit your practiceStarting Jan. 1, ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Select the Correct Code for Selective Nerve Blocks
Question: What are the possible CPT Codes for selective nerve root blocks? Iowa Sub... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Determine Botox Units
Question: During a pre-procedure exam, my physiatrist identified the sites of dystonia and... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Question Ultrasound Guidance With TPI
Question: When I report multiple trigger point injections, should I ever code ultrasound g... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Beat the Percutaneous Implant Terminology Maze
Question: How should I code for a percutaneous eight-lead stim trial? I'm being told to ch... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Report Multiple NCS Units
Question: How should I report multiple units of nerve conduction studies (NCS)? What about... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
1 Unit of 95920 = 1 Hour
Question: One of my physiatrists is questioning how to bill for motor evoked potential stu... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Settle for a Mixed Bag of Codes for Mixed NCS
Question: What is a "mixed" nerve? How should I report nerve conduction studies for a mixe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Differentiate 95860-95864 From Limited Studies
Question: What are the guidelines for reporting electromyography codes 95860-95864? How ... Read more
Deal Out an Activities-of-Daily-Living Code And Get Payers to Ante Up
See how 97535 can adapt to computer-based programsDon't miss out on the reimbursement for ... Read more
2 Key Criteria Show You How to Code Strapping/Taping Services
Caution:  Don't report a taping code for the first fracture patient visit ... Read more
Polish Off Your Modifier 25 Use With This 3-Visit Test
Do you know when an RVU includes an evaluation? Here's the answerIf you don't know the how... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Check Out ICD-9 Code for Sprengel's
Question: My provider dictated that an 8-year-old patient has Sprengel's deformity. What i... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Always Assume 2005 Codes for Auto Payers
Question: I've been told by Progressive Auto Insurance that CPT 97014 has been changed as... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Back Up Baciofen Pump Refill Codes
Question: I reported 95990 for a baclofen pump refill administered by a nurse, and receive... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look for Desiccation of Disk, L5-S1, Dx No More
Question: I'm looking for an ICD-9 code for "Desiccation of disk, L5-S1." Is there a code ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Bust Through Botox Confusion
Question: Should I use CPT 64613 for Botox injections? I thought most medications were "J... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch for Changes to Report Therapy Re-Evaluations
Question: I'm wondering when therapy re-evaluations are considered reasonable and necessar... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Baclofen Pump Trials
Question: My physiatrist does what we call baclofen pump trials, in which the patient come... Read more
Don't Tip Your Hand by Reporting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Too Soon
Watch out for phrases like 'one or more areas' when you're reporting therapy codesRelease ... Read more
Don't Let Consults and EMGs Get Under Your Skin
If you have cause, don't be afraid to appeal denialsWhen another physician sends a patient... Read more
Take the Work Out of Coding Workers' Compensation Claims
Hint:  Report the most severe injury as the primary diagnosisAlthough you don't have ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Subject Your Multiple Injections to NCCI
Question: My doctor typically uses these two sets of codes:(1) 99212 or 99213, 20610, 6447... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Track Infraorbital Nerve Back to Trigeminal
Question: Which CPT codes should I use for infraorbital nerve block and auriculotemporal n... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Level Out Your Facet Joint Codes
Question: My physiatrist did three levels of facets on a patient. Two were in the thoracic... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Report Baclofen Pump Trials
Question: My physiatrist does baclofen pump trials, in which the patient comes to a hospit... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
No Global for IDET
Question: What are the surgical global days for the IDET procedure (0062T-0063T)?Ohio Subs... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Your Mission-Understand Modifiers LT and RT
Question: I'm confused about when to use modifiers LT and RT. Should I use modifier ... Read more
Keep Your Head Above Water Coding These Common Sports Injuries
Follow expert tips to ensure rotator-cuff injury claims get a clean bill of healthA summer... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Translate Your Therapy Services Into the Correct CPT Codes
Hint: The phrase 'one or more areas' will limit modifier options Put your the... Read more
NCCI 11.2 Update:
Maintain Steady Cash Flow With 4,000 G Code Edits
Warning: Edits could be a result of widespread abuse Rehab coders everywhere: Tr... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look No Further for Lumber Puncture Dx
Question: I am looking for an ICD-9 code for a lumbar puncture in which our physiatrist ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Base Bilateral TPI on Number of Muscles
Question: I know Medicare doesn't recognize modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) for trigger ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Select Nerve Block CPT Based on Anatomy
Question: What should I report for the following:  Main diagnosis: supraorbital neu... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Weigh Your Modifier Options for Botox
Question: We are having trouble with Medicare paying for the CPT 95870 . My physiatrist pe... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Equate Trochanteric Bursa Injection With 20610
Question: How should I code injection of trochanteric bursa and sacral crest? My physician... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Exercise Caution Coding Sports Physicals
Question: A fellow coder recently suggested reporting codes 97005 and 97006 for sports phy... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Evaluate Reporting Initial PT Evals
Question: I have two questions. 1. We just hired a physical therapist in our office, and w... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Query Physician for Pseudoarthrosis
Question: I need help with the following procedure: Fluoroscopically directed injection of... Read more
Revitalize Your Dx Coding for Fracture Repair Rehab Service
Bury the myth that you cannot report a V code as a primary diagnosis When a patient prese... Read more
Don't Let Supervision Regs Undermine Your Claim
The documentation must support direct supervision for electrodiagnostic services If your ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Fight Fraud With This 8-Minute-Rule Refresher Course
Plus: Familiarize yourself with these vital licensing requirements When the OIG put thera... Read more
Reader Questions:
Switch A Codes to Q Codes for LOCM
Question: I heard there was a change in how we should report LOCM (low osmolar contrast ma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Predict Payer Issues for 2 Procedures Same Day
Question: A physiatrist performed a digital nerve block on a partial amputation and then s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Select 64640 for Phenol Injections
Question: How should I code (1) phenol injections to the left pectoralis major muscle grou... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Use of Modifier 59 With Motor NCS
Question: When my physiatrist performs CPT 95900 and 95903 on different nerves, should I ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Examine the PT/OT Angle of Burn Coding
Question: I'm a new coder at a rehab center with therapists, and we see burn patients for ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Return to Your Documentation for EMG Coding
Question: If I am billing an office EMG of one extremity with two motor and two sensory, a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Note How Rule of Nine Can Change
Question: Does ICD-9 Codes always stick to the percentages for the Rule of Nines? How ab... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 64450 for Lesser Occipital Nerve Block
Question: What is the correct way to bill for bilateral greater and lesser occipital nerve... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Chemodenervation on Right Leg and Right Arm
Question: I'm confused. Can I use modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) with CPT 64614 if my ... Read more
Follow These 3 Steps to Figure Out Your Primary Burn Code
Hint: The fifth digit requires you to know the burn's specific anatomic location A... Read more
Factor in New 2006 ICD-9 Codes In 4 Areas or Face Denials
Tip: Avoid confusing muscle weakness with generalized weakness From an expanded muscle we... Read more
Use the Rule of Nines to Rule Over Secondary Burn Coding
Find out if your burn coding should change as a burn heals Your burn coding shouldn&#... Read more
News You Can Use:
Reporting Incident-To Therapy Services? Better Have a Therapist
Medicare says the physician with the ID has to write the plan of care If your office prov... Read more
Reader Questions:
Recoup Pay for Fluoroscopic Guidance
Question: Should I always report only one unit of 76005 regardless of the number of inject... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check for Direct Supervision of Infusions
Question: Can our nurse provide Solu-Medrol to patients in the office, and, if so, must th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pick Out Pyriformis Injection Codes
Question: One of our physicians is going to be doing a Pyriformis injection. What code sho... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dig Deeper for Baclofen J Code
Question: My documentation states, "Baclofen in 20 cc PF 0.9% saline concentration - Baclo... Read more
Reader Questions:
CRPS Can Be RSD or Causalgia
Question: My physiatrist listed his diagnosis as LLE Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Query for Neuromuscular Junction Testing
Question: I have a physician asking about doing a repetitive study using an EMG machine, b... Read more
If You Haven't Caught Up With the 434.91 ICD-9 Change, You Could Be Missing Out
Warning: This isn't your free-and-clear ticket to stroke coding. Get specificWhen your phy... Read more
Maximize Reimbursement With This Vital E/M Documentation
Hint: Minutes equal money for physiatry E/M codingIf you're forgetting about coding by tim... Read more
Quiz Time:
Take the Stroke Coding Challenge
See how you fare when it comes to choosing a principal diagnosis codeThink you've got stro... Read more
News You Can Use:
Push for Coding Accuracy When Providing IV Pushes
NCCI 11.1 slams nerve block codes with component G codesIf your physical medicine and reha... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Leg Weakness Leads to General Codes
Question: How should I code ""leg weakness""? Kansas Subscriber... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Set Your Sights on 95928-95929 for Central Motor Tests
Question: How should I code central evoked motor studies? California Subscriber ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Ease a Headache With Botox Code 64612
Question: My physiatrist injected 50 units of Botox around the forehead and scalp for a pa... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Tell Therapist 'Document Everything'
Question: My therapist spent only three minutes applying an ultrasound to a patient (97035... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Strain When Constraining Units
Question: Is 23 minutes of CPT 97140 and 8 minutes of 97110 for a total of 31 minutes act... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Investigate Covered Acupuncture Dx by Payer
Question: We're receiving rejections for using PMR codes in 2005 claims for acupuncture fo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Report 'Meet and Greet'
Question: Recently, our physiatrist met with a prospective patient for a 20-minute "meet a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Re-Evaluate an EMG at Erb's Point
Question: Should I code an EMG at Erb's point x 2 with 95870?California SubscriberAnswer: ... Read more
Level the Playing Field With These Spring Sports Injury Tips and Examples
Hint: Reporting E codes may push your claims through faster As baseball, tennis, and golf... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Learn to Identify Individual Versus Group Therapy
Key: Report either 97150 or a timed CPT Code for therapyThink you've got individual versu... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Impress Yourself With Your Individual, Group Answers
Individual therapy may occur continuously or in notable episodes.You've taken the challeng... Read more
Get a Grip on Coding Hand Therapy Services
Diagnoses fall under repetitive motion, post-surgical and general medical conditions W... Read more
Reader Questions:
Teach Yourself How to Bill Team Therapy
Question: How should I report an occupational therapist (OT) and a physical therapist (PT)... Read more
Reader Questions:
Gear up for Group Therapy Units
Question: Can I report more than one unit of group therapy (CPT 97150 ) per day for the sa... Read more
Reader Questions:
More than 3 Units May Mean Difficulties
Question: Can I report one unit of CPT 95861 , two units of 95900, and three units of 9590... Read more
Reader Questions:
Decide That Phenol is for Destruction
Question: My physician performed an llionguinal nerve block with Phenol. How should I repo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Forget Reimbursement For Vax-D
Question: My practice is looking at equipment that does "intra-discal distraction/decompre... Read more
Reader Questions:
Nerve Injections May Mean 64520
Question: How do I code for paravertebral nerve block, L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1? The physiatrist ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Master Diagnoses for Facet Joint Injections
Question: Will I have trouble receiving reimbursement for facet joint injections 64470-644... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Fluoroscopy With Discography Injection
Question: Can I report 76005-26 with CPT 62290 ? South Carolina Subscriber ... Read more
3 Tips Determine Your Diabetic Wound Care Codes
Selection depends on the depth of the debridement, not the depth of the wound You're not ... Read more
Latch Onto These 3 Steps for Using Unlisted-Procedure Codes
A code that's 'close' doesn't mean it's the right choice Are you ready to throw your hand... Read more
How to Instruct Payers About New Technology
When you submit 64999, pack 'why' and 'how' into the cover letter Whe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Out for -51 With Add-On Codes
Question: Our carrier is telling us that in order to report 64475 with 64476, we should ad... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When to Use -57 Versus -25
Question: My physiatrist treated a patient with a severe headache as an inpatient. He dete... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Right, Left Trapezius as One
Question: If a physiatrist does trigger point injections in the trapezius, right and left,... Read more
Reader Questions:
How to Choose Hospital Follow-Up Codes
Question: When the physiatrist performs an inpatient consult, I bill CPT 99251 -99255. Sho... Read more
Reader Questions:
Opt for 64626 or 64640 for 3rd Occipital Nerve RF
Question: What would be the appropriate CPT code for the third occipital nerve block rad... Read more
Reader Questions:
Examine X-Ray Codes Before Reporting Bilaterally
Question: Can I apply modifier -50 to an x-ray code for a Medicare patient?Wisconsin Subsc... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nerve Destruction Codes for Botox
Question: Which nerve destruction code(s) should I use for Botox in the neck and shoulders... Read more
Change the Way You Report 97597 and 97598 Today
Incorporate these new bundles to properly report 97601's replacementsWhen CPT Codes 2005 ... Read more
Know When to Constrain Units With These 4 Steps
Hint: You can't report 3 units for 3 10-minute codesKnowing that you should follow th... Read more
3 Strategies for Constraining Time-Based Units
Look to code scenario to determine which unit to cutYou've followed the four steps for det... Read more
Keep Infusion Coding Accurate With G Codes
Use G0345-G0354 for therapeutic/diagnostic injectionsFor this year only, Medicare requires... Read more
Say Goodbye to 5 Bundles Breaking Your Bank
Here's how modality and central motor evoked potential studies fared in NCCI 11.0 Need rel... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Unlisted When There's No Valid Code
Question: What is the correct CPT Code for percutaneous cervical diskectomy? Tennesse... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Remember to Follow 3 R's for Consults
Question: When another physiatrist sees an established patient in the same practice for a ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 97112 for Neuromuscular Re-Education
Question: Would you tell me the procedure code for neuromuscular re-education?Kentucky Sub... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Code Hardware Injections
Question: How should I code hardware injections in the lumbar spine x3 screws?New Hampshir... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code What Was Performed, Not Results
Question: If my physician dictates nerve conduction study and then states that the F-... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Epidurography and Fluoroscopy
Question: Our doctors just started performing epidurographies (72275). I told them that an... Read more
Assign Your EMG Code by Number of Muscles And Test Location
Even if the EMG tests more than five muscles in one extremity, use 95860 If your physicia... Read more
Use 95870 for Fewer Than 5 Muscles in EMG
Report one unit of 95869 regardless of number of levels If a physician tests fewer than f... Read more
A4644-A4646 Got You Doing a Double Take?
Medicare creates A9525 instead, then cancels it If you're confused about which low osmola... Read more
Learn 4 Tactics for EMGs With No New Diagnosis
Submitting raw data that proves medical necessity may be key If your physician didn't fin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Overlook Parenthetical Notes
Question: Is it appropriate to use modifier -50 for bilateral facet joint injections (6447... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Out Codes for Tensilon Testing
Question: What is the appropriate code(s) for tensilon testing?South Carolina Subscri... Read more
Reader Questions:
How to Interpret '1 Injection per Session'
Question: My Mississippi Cahaba LMRP for chemo-denervation codes state that they allow one... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose From 95925-95927 for SSEP
Question: Which codes should I use for SSEP?Kansas Subscriber Answer: SSEP, or short-laten... Read more
Reader Questions:
Coding Conduction Study After Nerves Tested
Question: When a physician tests four nerves bilaterally, how should I code the nerve cond... Read more
You Be the Coder:
'Pyriformis' Is the Same as 'Piriformis'
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for piriformis syndrome? I've been using a sci... Read more
Common Dx for Winter Sports-Related Injuries Includes 844.2
Plans of care may predict your CPT codes, but don't assume all similar injuries are ... Read more
Re-Evaluate 97001-97004 to Revamp Reimbursement
Reporting 'incident-to' under a physician's PIN may flag an audit If you think you kn... Read more
Test Your Sports Injuries Coding Knowledge
These 2 scenarios challenge what you've learned You've gotten a taste of coding for wint... Read more
News You Can Use:
How to Resist OIG PT/OT, Wound Care Scrutiny
Take steps now to ensure your claims are medically necessary This year you'll want to mak... Read more
Reader Questions:
You Can Use 92506 and 92507 Separately
Question: Does Medicare bundle speech evaluation and speech therapy?Florida Subscriber Ans... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Report 99211 in Office Setting
Question: Can I report a nonselective wound debridement service under CPT 99211 ?Texas Sub... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Surgery Diagnosis for EMG Diagnosis
Question: My physiatrist goes into the OR to monitor a patient's nerves during surgery. Ho... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Piriformis in Conjunction With SI Injection
Question: My physiatrist performed a piriformis injection in conjunction with an SI inject... Read more
Available Years:  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000