Primary Care Coding Alert
Stick Your Neck Out for Correct Choice
Question: Our doctors use the sentence "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.
Primary Care Coding Alert
- Diabetes Coding:
Don't Let 3 Common Mistakes Rob Your Practice of Rightful Pay
The key? Know when to use 250.xx and 365.44 Are you always using 250.00 to [...] - Pediatric Coding Corner - Myth Buster:
Using V20.2 for Every Vaccine? You Won't After You Read This
Experts give 4 reasons to assign a specific ICD-9 code for each immunization You may [...] - Score an A+ on Immunization Diagnostic Coding
Clip and save this guide to billing 20 vaccines in 2004 You never have to [...] - 3 Documentation Tips Improve Your Precatheterization E/M Pay
Separate chart notes, diagnoses justify office visit reimbursement You can overturn denials for office visits [...] - You Be the Coder:
Swallow the Cost of Tylenol
Question: Is there a HCPCS code for the supply of Tylenol for a sick patient? [...] - 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:
Stick Your Neck Out for Correct Choice
Question: Our doctors use the sentence "Neck is supple" all the time in their documentation. [...] - 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:
John Hancock Alone Might Not Cut It for EKGs
Question: Our doctors are under the impression that since our electrocardiogram (EKG) machine generates a [...] - 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:
Do You Have a Substitute FP? Use Modifier -Q6
Question: When each of our family physicians takes two weeks of vacation, another FP in [...] - Reader Question:
Worried Well Works With Prevacation Check
Question: A mother presents to make sure her child's ears are clear prior to flying. [...]
