Primary Care Coding Alert

Watch out: Medicare has specific requirements other payers might not follow.The days have passed when patients always saw a gastroenterologist for colonoscopy screenings. According to the AAFP's position paper on colonoscopy, physicians in many specialties now perform the procedure -- including family physicians.Note: Even if your family physician doesn't perform colonoscopy screenings, you should know the coding regulations."Our family physicians do not perform the actual screening colonoscopies, but they are the ones who order them," says Linda Vargas, CPC, CEMC, coding and reimbursement specialist for Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, Mo. "I think it's important that primary care providers know the coverage guidelines, as they play a vital role in making sure their patients receive their scheduled preventive screenings."Ask yourself these questions and follow our experts' advice to be sure you're up to date on frequency and eligibility requirements.Is the Timing Right?Medicare allows patients (ages 50 and over) who are at [...]