Primary Care Coding Alert
Rely on Combo Codes for Some COPD Patients
Question: An established patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) with acute bronchitis reports to the FP for a scheduled spirometry. What is the proper diagnosis coding for this encounter? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Code with caution on COPD patients; report a single diagnosis code for the patients COPD when it occurs along with certain conditions, such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma. On the claim, report the following: " 94010 (Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement[ s], with or without maximal voluntary ventilation) for the spirometry " 491.22 (Obstructive chronic bronchitis with acute bronchitis) for the COPD. Explanation: You dont have to report 466.0 (Acute bronchitis) for the obstructive chronic bronchitis because the code descriptor for 491.22 specifies acute bronchitis.
Primary Care Coding Alert
- Max Out Burn Claims When You Find 16000, Separate E/M Evidence
Net 16000 pay when treatment occurs. A sunburn can qualify as a burn and result [...] - Focus on Pre-Op E/M's Purpose to Keep Claims Correct
File claims for non-consult services, but make sure patient knows some preop E/Ms arent covered. [...] - Steer Clear of Denials by Coding for Consults on Case-By-Case Basis
This guide streamlines payers diagnoses order variations. When your FP provides a preoperative consultation, rope [...] - Look for Pre-Headache 'Warning Signs' and Avoid Migraine Miscodes
Aura, migrainosus info fills 4th and 5th ICD-9 digits. ICD-9 2009 features upward of 30 [...] - You Be the Coder :
Completely Coding Tetanus Shot Encounters
Question: An established 17-year-old patient reports to the FP after stepping on a rusty nail. [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Be Aware of Surroundings on US Claims
Question: The FP meets a 27-year-old patient who is 16 weeks pregnant at the local [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Rely on Combo Codes for Some COPD Patients
Question: An established patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) with acute bronchitis reports to [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Shelve Excision Codes When It's Just a Shave
Question: A patient with superficial lesions on his right hand reports to the FP for [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Choose Inpatient Code for Some 1-Day E/Ms
Question: The FP meets an established patient at the hospital on Monday morning for evaluation [...]
