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Eli's Rehab Report

Get Up to Speed on the New CMS-1500 Form
Make sure your software is ready to handle the changes Just when you think you're prepared... Read more
SPEECH SPOTLIGHT:
Get Straight Answers to Your MBS Billing Questions
Tip: You cannot repeat MBS evals -- and get paid -- without a solid reason Stay... Read more
ADVOCACY:
How Spearheading an Independent State Society Could Help Your Practice
Clarification: Most independent PT societies are not competitors of APTA Although national... Read more
BUSINESS STRATEGIES:
Talk Business With Your Payers -- and Strike Hidden Gold
Tip: Try renegotiating a contract before you cancel it Think that your payers' contracts ... Read more
CLIP & SAVE:
Evaluate Your Insurance Contracts With This Handy Tool
Eliminating a bad apple could mean opening some cash flow. You may not know which contract... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS
New Bill Extends Exceptions Process  If you're wondering what will happen at the yea... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Don't Ignore the Fifth Digit in Diagnosis Codes
Question: Our billing system does not accept 721.91 . Our biller said that this is a delet... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Know When 2 Evals Are Billable
Question: Many times our speech-language pathologist evaluates patients for both communica... Read more
Double-Check for Occurrence Codes On Your UB92s
Heads up: Some FIs have been on heightened watch since July If you're a rehab clinic bill... Read more
Speech Spotlight:
Get Straight Answers to Your MBS Billing Questions
A good team effort between an SLP and a radiologist is not a bad thing You no longer have ... Read more
Insurance:
4 Tips Help You Shop Wisely For Your Managed-Care Plans
Do your homework now to avoid losing money later The fact that you and your fellow rehab ... Read more
Business Strategies:
Re-Examine Your Existing Insurance Contracts
You've read about how to examine managed-care plans when you're shopping the market, but y... Read more
Inpatient Insights:
Case Study--Phase an IRF-Like Rehab Model Into Your SNF
Offering intensive rehab will help ortho patients and raise your bottom line If you're an ... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS ~ U.S. Physical Therapy to Close 26 Clinics
Due to lack of profitability, U.S. Physical Therapy Inc., a national operator of physical ... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS ~ Master's OT Programs Have New Standards
If you're a student going for your occupational therapy degree, you'll have new standards ... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS ~ Learn From One PT Clinic's Mistake
News of a Northern Michigan clinic that recently lost an undisclosed amount of patient inf... Read more
Reader Question ~ Add a TENS Application Code to Your 'Untimed' List
Question: Is CPT 64550 for TENS application an untimed procedure? I would assume by its n... Read more
Reader Question ~ Convert Your Code RVUs Into Dollar Amounts
Question: How can I determine what a procedure code pays in dollars when I'm only given th... Read more
ICD-9 2007:
Gear Up Now for New Pain, Myelitis And Compartment Syndrome Codes
Caution: These codes have no grace period, so you should update your coding now With n... Read more
Coding Quiz:
How Much Do You Really Know About ABNs?
Learn how to use modifiers GA, GY and GZ You use advance beneficiary notices (ABNs) to le... Read more
3 Tips Help You Code Head Injury Claims
Learn what options you have for cognitive deficits Scanning your ICD-9 coding manual for ... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Pick Pain Continuous Infusion Codes Carefully
Pick Pain Continuous Infusion Codes Carefully Question: I know we can use 64416, 64446, 64... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Second Injury May Justify an Exception
Second Injury May Justify an Exception Question: I'm treating a Medicare patient for condi... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Remember Modifier 59 for Gait Training
Remember Modifier 59 for Gait Training Question: We are suddenly receiving denials on bi... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Submit Paper Claims on Time
Submit Paper Claims on Time Question: Do you have any suggestions for filing paper claims ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Every Minute Counts With 8-Minute Rule
Question: Under Medicare's eight-minute rule for billing timed CPT Codes , how should I re... Read more
7 Scenarios Strengthen Your Physical Therapy Coding Skills
See why confusing a modality with a timed procedure could land you in hot water Your... Read more
Red Alert:
When Minor Procedure Lacks Global Period, Cancel Modifier 25
Tip: Codes with '000' and 'XXX' classifications are not the same Just because auditors ar... Read more
Up Your Unna Boot Coding Expertise -- Here's How
Find out why you should never report 29700 for removal Thinking that you only have to use... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try 20610 for Trochanteric Bursa Injection
Question: How should I code injection of trochanteric bursa and sacral crest? My physician... Read more
Reader Questions:
PT Re-Eval Frequency Depends on Payer Rules
Question: How often can we report a physical therapy evaluation (CPT 97001 ) and re-evalua... Read more
Reader Questions:
Who Establishes Therapy's Frequency, Duration?
Question: If the prescription doesn't specify frequency/duration of therapy, is the freque... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Return to Documentation for EMG Coding
Question: My provider performed needle EMG of two extremities along with two motor and two... Read more
Better Your Botulinum Coding -- 64612-64614 Is More Than Skin Deep
Discover why you may not be able to use modifier 50, even if your provider performs bilate... Read more
Your Top-6 NCCI Questions Answered
Learn the 1 new physiatrist-related version 12.2 edit that could affect you If you're sti... Read more
Time Spent Assessing Change Doesn't Always Warrant 97002
Know what a re-evaluation specifically entails Knowing when you can charge Medicare for a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Reason for Therapy as First Dx
Question: Our patient's right leg was amputated below the knee due to peripheral vascular ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Maximize Your Modifier 25 Claim
Question: A consultant suggests that we use two-entry documentation for encounters that in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Banish 97535 and 97537 Denials With These Tips
Question: We keep getting denials for CPT 97535 and 97537. Would you explain why? Al... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Prescription Writing
Question: I heard that there's a code we can bill (and be paid for) to indicate when our p... Read more
4 Strategies Help You Breathe Easier When Coding Pulmonary Rehab Services
Hint: If your provider performs these services incident-to, look to G codes Payers may se... Read more
What You Need to Know To Report Online Services
Don’t forget to permanently store your records In this technology-savvy world, s... Read more
Disregarding Debridement Type? Expect a Claim Denial
Find out what 1 source cited as the most common therapist error If you're reporting wound... Read more
Reader Questions:
Identify Medicare Patient's ID Card
Question: Medicare has returned an unprecedented number of claims as unprocessable recentl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prepare for 2007 ICD-9 Codes Now
Question: I have heard that there will be some new ICD9 codes that may impact my physica... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Licensing Regs Before You Bill 97124
Question: Third-party payers have been denying my claims for CPT 97124 . The reason for de... Read more
Reader Questions:
List 2 ICD-9 Codes for 2 Diagnoses
Question: A therapist in our practice was told that we could use only one diagnosis code p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Match Coding Options for DRX9000 Machine
Question: I work for a physiatrist who is also a physical therapist. He is thinking about ... Read more
97537 vs 97799:
Here's How to Code Workplace Assessments
Reviewed on April 24, 2014 Don't let state requirements trip you up When a ph... Read more
See How You Fare on This Therapy-Note Quiz
Hint: Pay attention to whether procedures are timedTherapy coders may think they can code ... Read more
OIG Spotlight:
Make Sure You Can Withstand Modifier 59 Scrutiny
Double-check NCCI edits before you append 59--here’s what to look for The Offic... Read more
Not Positive You've Got 59 Down Pat? Test Yourself
Learn to differentiate services in your records using this documentation exampleIf you sti... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Eliminate Your E Code Concerns
Question: I know that we're supposed to use E codes for injury claims, but our insurers ke... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Heads-Up--Physician Should Document HPI
Question: If a nurse documents the history of present illness in her notes and the physiat... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Absolutely Get That ABN or Face a Failed Appeal
Question: We recently performed biofeedback training and reported 90911. The insurer denie... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Administration Determines Nerve Block Code
Question: What is the correct code for a diagnostic nerve block of the brachial plexus whe... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Team Meeting Included With Nursing Facility E/M
Question: After completing subsequent nursing facility care for a patient, I met with her ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Finger Modifiers Not Needed but Recommended
Question: I have heard many coding consultants recommend using the Level II site modifiers... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Use Modifier KD
Question: Should we put modifier KD on all J codes for pump fills or just codes J2275 (Inj... Read more
You Be the Coder:
How to Report Wasted Botox Units
Question: How should I bill for the unused amount of Botox as wastage?Maryland SubscriberA... Read more
Version 12.1 Update:
Avoid Denials by Checking Out These Edits For Wound Care, Injection and Moderate Sedation
Find out how NCCI affects both 97602-97606 and 11004-11006The National Correct Coding Init... Read more
5 Tips Guarantee Better Pay For Biofeedback Training
Use the right modifier for E/M visits and other services alongside 90911If you think codin... Read more
Your Top-3 ICD-9 Coding Problems Solved
Not identifying treatment diagnoses? Count on undeserved denials Reporting the correc... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Dominant Side Dictates CVA Late Effect Coding
Question: For a patient with late effect CVA (cerebrovascular accident) or stroke, should ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
PT and OT Can Split the Coding
Question: I am a PT, and I recently worked alongside an occupational therapist (OT) for 30... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Wound Care May Be Exception to Coding Rule
Question: We often use a whirlpool to help cleanse patients'  wounds. Our carrier rec... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Code Botox for the Parotid Gland
Question: Our physiatrist injected Botox into the parotid gland for management of saliva i... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Appeal Your CS/EMG Denials
Question: I've been getting a denial using 95860-26 alongside 95903-26 or 95904-26, statin... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Maintenance Therapy
Question: Our office manager thinks our therapist's gait training documentation refers to ... Read more
CPT Code 97014 Vs 97032 :
Make Sure You Know How to Code Electrical Stimulation and Avoid Triggering an Audit
Tip:  Report G0281-G0283 to Medicare for unattended stimulation If your physiatrist ... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Determine Your Diabetes Debridement Coding Know-How
Find out if you should code the diabetes or ulcer firstIf you're wondering how you're meas... Read more
Alert:
Now's the Time to Fight For ESWT Coverage
2 carriers already say they won't cover new code 28890 Coders rejoiced when CPT 2... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Figure Out Your Bilateral Fee
Question: How can I use the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to determine an injection cod... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Ask, 'Was the Physiatrist Immediately Available?'
Question: If the physiatrist has to leave the room for a few minutes during an E/M service... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
You Can Report 2 Motor NCS--Here's How
Question: Can we report motor nerve conduction study codes separately? If so, which modifi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Prolonged Services Require Same Date
Question: Our group of physiatrists evaluates a patient on day one. The following day the ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Report 97116 Based on Time
Question: When we teach a patient how to use crutches, should we report 99211 or a more in... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Keep Your Botox Coding Practices Up to Date
Question: How should I code a Botox injection of 100 units? I know J0585 is the code for t... Read more
Follow These 3 Steps to Botulinum Coding Perfection
Tip: Use chemodenervation code only once per session for Medicare Not knowing the differe... Read more
Moderate Your New Conscious Sedation Codes in 2006
Hint: An independent trained observer must monitor the patient’s status If you u... Read more
Supervision Reqs Can Make or Break 90772--Here's How
If you can't meet the standards, resort to no-charge When you report 90772, you should ma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Selectively Report E/Ms With Supartz Injections
Question: Can we bill an office visit along with a supartz injection for patients on every... Read more
Reader Questions:
How to Report New, Established Patient Consults
Question: Should I report a consult for an established patient (whom we last saw two years... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Unlisted for Impar Ganglion Blocks
Question: I've been coding impar ganglion blocks with unlisted-procedure CPT 64999 . Is th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Document the Time Spent on Counseling
Question: One of our insurers downcodes my E/M visits because the diagnoses don't support ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Level Out Your Diskography Worries
Question: My doctor does different levels of the diskography. Is it appropriate to use 51 ... Read more
Don't Get Too Cozy With New Orthotic, Chemodenervation Codes -- NCCI 12.0 Attacks!
Be cautious when reporting anesthetic agents along with 65650 and 64653If you've just now ... Read more
4 Surefire Steps Ensure Proper Subsequent Care Coding
Everything the physiatrist does can contribute to greater MDM If you're falling back on 9... Read more
Myth Buster:
Reporting an ROM Only Once Per Session? Read This First
Tip: Make sure your physiatrist states what he plans to do with the ROM results If you th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Destruction Not Based on Time
Question: How should I bill for my physiatrist's time? She spent more than an hour blockin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Out for Facet Frequency Guidelines
Question: One of our patients required facet joint injections at four levels, and our insu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Sure Licensed Physician Performs EMG
Question: How should I report an EMG study of muscles supplied by the cranial nerve?Michig... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Question Whether Therapy Took Place in Group Setting
Question: Our physician provided therapeutic exercises including recumbent bike for 18 min... Read more
CPT 2006 Update:
Get Ready to Change the Way You Report Chemodenervation and Orthotic Services
Chin up:  Add-on codes 95873-95874 will reimburse the same amount as 95870You've got ... Read more
CPT 2006 Update:
Appendix J Solidifies How You Report Nerve Conduction Studies
Append modifier 59 to 95900 to show motor tests on separate nerves If you’ve fo... Read more
E/M Focus:
Boost Your Bottom Line With These 4 Documentation Steps
Tip:  Don't miss the endocrine system when you're tallying ROSOne missed documentatio... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
4 Rehab Codes to Strike Out in 2006
Question: Were there any PM&R-specific CPT Codes deleted for 2006? North Caroli... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code Psoas Compartment Block as if Lumbar Plexus
Question: What is a psoas compartment block, and what code should I use for it?Vermont Sub... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Overlook Add-On Codes
Question: I am having problems with Medicare not paying for CPT 95920 . The carrier says I... Read more
You Be the Coder:
How to Report Quantitative Sensory Testing
Question: I’ve heard that CPT has new codes for quantitative sensory testing(QST).... Read more
Available Years:  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000