Pulmonology Coding Alert
CCI 18.3 Update:
Latest Coding Edits Bundles Skin Repair With Most Pulmonology Procedures
Edits double ensure that you cannot report wound closure with surgical procedures. ... Read more
Latest Coding Edits Bundles Skin Repair With Most Pulmonology Procedures
Edits double ensure that you cannot report wound closure with surgical procedures. ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Streamline Your Unspecified Pulmonary Edema With J81
Hint: Choose from different codes for edema due to a cardiac cause. Frequen... Read more
Streamline Your Unspecified Pulmonary Edema With J81
Hint: Choose from different codes for edema due to a cardiac cause. Frequen... Read more
Incident to Billing:
Learn the Nitty-Gritty of Filing an Incident-to Claim
Understand the criteria for successful claims or be ready for OIG's scrutiny. ... Read more
Learn the Nitty-Gritty of Filing an Incident-to Claim
Understand the criteria for successful claims or be ready for OIG's scrutiny. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Capture Simple Chest Tube Removals as Part of E/M or Other Services Provided
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a chest tube insertion for pneumo... Read more
Capture Simple Chest Tube Removals as Part of E/M or Other Services Provided
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a chest tube insertion for pneumo... Read more
Reader Question:
Understand Your State Laws and Payer Policies to Manage Delinquent Accounts
Question: My work in our pulmonology practice is to handle the collection of pas... Read more
Understand Your State Laws and Payer Policies to Manage Delinquent Accounts
Question: My work in our pulmonology practice is to handle the collection of pas... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When You Can Report an E/M Service Along With Critical Care Services
Question: My doctor saw a new patient in the office (99205) and then decided to ... Read more
Know When You Can Report an E/M Service Along With Critical Care Services
Question: My doctor saw a new patient in the office (99205) and then decided to ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Your Options for Procedures Performed Through Established Trach
Question: Our pulmonologist performed bronchoscopy through established trach (pa... Read more
Check Your Options for Procedures Performed Through Established Trach
Question: Our pulmonologist performed bronchoscopy through established trach (pa... Read more
CPT® 2013 Update:
Look to New Cat. I Codes for Bronchial Thermoplasty and Airway Sizing
Simplified reporting of thoracentesis all set to help pulmonology coders .If you were in ... Read more
Look to New Cat. I Codes for Bronchial Thermoplasty and Airway Sizing
Simplified reporting of thoracentesis all set to help pulmonology coders .If you were in ... Read more
E/M Coding Corner:
Get Set For These E/M Verbiage Adjustments Starting Jan 1. 2013
Changes to descriptor will help more qualified personnel report E/M services.Since your pu... Read more
Get Set For These E/M Verbiage Adjustments Starting Jan 1. 2013
Changes to descriptor will help more qualified personnel report E/M services.Since your pu... Read more
News You Can Use:
Plan Better For ICD-10 as CMS Announces New Date For Implementation
Fresh implementation date eases pressure on practices to adapt to the new code set.If you ... Read more
Plan Better For ICD-10 as CMS Announces New Date For Implementation
Fresh implementation date eases pressure on practices to adapt to the new code set.If you ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Bronchiectasis Slips Smoothly to J47 in ICD-10
Hint: Watch out for signs of acute exacerbation and respiratory infections.As bronchiectas... Read more
Bronchiectasis Slips Smoothly to J47 in ICD-10
Hint: Watch out for signs of acute exacerbation and respiratory infections.As bronchiectas... Read more
Reader Question:
Base Your Diagnosis of Respiratory Failure on Stage
Question: Can you provide me the ICD-9 code that I will have to report for a diagnosis of ... Read more
Base Your Diagnosis of Respiratory Failure on Stage
Question: Can you provide me the ICD-9 code that I will have to report for a diagnosis of ... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Modifier 57 For Procedures with Zero Global Days
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed an endobronchial biopsy after he made the d... Read more
Avoid Modifier 57 For Procedures with Zero Global Days
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed an endobronchial biopsy after he made the d... Read more
Reader Question:
Capture Two Components to Determine E/M Level When History is Unobtainable
Question: Our pulmonologist saw an initial inpatient, but couldn't get all information fro... Read more
Capture Two Components to Determine E/M Level When History is Unobtainable
Question: Our pulmonologist saw an initial inpatient, but couldn't get all information fro... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Be Wary of Billing an E/M Service With Injection Provided by a Nurse
Question: A nurse at our facility recently provided an injection to one of our patients. W... Read more
Be Wary of Billing an E/M Service With Injection Provided by a Nurse
Question: A nurse at our facility recently provided an injection to one of our patients. W... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Beat the Stress of Pulmonary Stress Testing With Our Advice
NCCI bundles spirometry with 6-minute walk tests. When your pulmonologist performs a pulmo... Read more
Beat the Stress of Pulmonary Stress Testing With Our Advice
NCCI bundles spirometry with 6-minute walk tests. When your pulmonologist performs a pulmo... Read more
E/M Coding Strategies:
Root Out New Vs. Established Coding Confusion
Face-to-face encounters are a must for an established status.When your pulmonologist treat... Read more
Root Out New Vs. Established Coding Confusion
Face-to-face encounters are a must for an established status.When your pulmonologist treat... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
J45 Shifts Focus to Severity for Asthma Reporting
Hint: Identify symptoms and medication use for accurate reporting.Asthma's very likely the... Read more
J45 Shifts Focus to Severity for Asthma Reporting
Hint: Identify symptoms and medication use for accurate reporting.Asthma's very likely the... Read more
Reader Question:
Use a Specific Code for Pneumonitis With Causative Organism
Question: What ICD-9 code do you use for pneumonitis? I had been using "486" but one of ou... Read more
Use a Specific Code for Pneumonitis With Causative Organism
Question: What ICD-9 code do you use for pneumonitis? I had been using "486" but one of ou... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Use Modifier 51 as a Norm to Separate PFT Components
Question: When billing multiple components of a pulmonary function test, do I have to use ... Read more
Don't Use Modifier 51 as a Norm to Separate PFT Components
Question: When billing multiple components of a pulmonary function test, do I have to use ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observe That Critical Care is Calculated Cumulative of Time Spent
Question: When two physicians of the same specialty and group practice provide critical ca... Read more
Observe That Critical Care is Calculated Cumulative of Time Spent
Question: When two physicians of the same specialty and group practice provide critical ca... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Smarten Up Your Allergy Immunotherapy Reporting With This Advice
Vital: Learn when you can include an E/M service.Coding your pulmonologist's allergy immun... Read more
Smarten Up Your Allergy Immunotherapy Reporting With This Advice
Vital: Learn when you can include an E/M service.Coding your pulmonologist's allergy immun... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Follow 4 Steps To Flu Vaccination Services Success
Hint: Use the same system for reporting H1N1 vaccinations.Come October, practices will beg... Read more
Follow 4 Steps To Flu Vaccination Services Success
Hint: Use the same system for reporting H1N1 vaccinations.Come October, practices will beg... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
J10 and J11 Add More Specificity to Influenza With Manifestations
Look for respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms to nail the right flu dx. As you gear u... Read more
J10 and J11 Add More Specificity to Influenza With Manifestations
Look for respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms to nail the right flu dx. As you gear u... Read more
Bone Up on Influenza Types
Influenza is caused by three different types of viruses, namely:Influenza A;Influenza B; a... Read more
Influenza is caused by three different types of viruses, namely:Influenza A;Influenza B; a... Read more
Reader Question:
Clear Confusion Over Initial and Repeat Aspiration of Airways
Question: One of my physicians is telling me to use 31646 only for repeat aspiration on th... Read more
Clear Confusion Over Initial and Repeat Aspiration of Airways
Question: One of my physicians is telling me to use 31646 only for repeat aspiration on th... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Use of Multiple Units of 31633 For Multiple Biopsies
Question: Our doctor has just started doing bronchoscopy with EBUS. I want to make sure I ... Read more
Avoid Use of Multiple Units of 31633 For Multiple Biopsies
Question: Our doctor has just started doing bronchoscopy with EBUS. I want to make sure I ... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish Lavage and Cell Washing by Looking Through Documentation
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a therapeutic aspiration along with lavage ... Read more
Distinguish Lavage and Cell Washing by Looking Through Documentation
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a therapeutic aspiration along with lavage ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Multiple Endoscopy Rules For Same Family of Scopes
Question: I was going through the CCI edits checker and I know that 31624 and 31629 are no... Read more
Use Multiple Endoscopy Rules For Same Family of Scopes
Question: I was going through the CCI edits checker and I know that 31624 and 31629 are no... Read more
CCI 18.2 Update:
Get A Handle On New Bundles Affecting Sleep Studies and Spirometry
Watch out for changes to tobacco counseling sessions, too.Your reporting for spirometry an... Read more
Get A Handle On New Bundles Affecting Sleep Studies and Spirometry
Watch out for changes to tobacco counseling sessions, too.Your reporting for spirometry an... Read more
Review These Spirometry Basics
Spirometry is a test used to measure the functionality of the lungs (also known as a Pulmo... Read more
Spirometry is a test used to measure the functionality of the lungs (also known as a Pulmo... Read more
CPT® 2013 Update:
CPT® 2013 Proposals Might Ring in Several Changes to Pulmonology Coding
Evaluation and Management coding get a fresh look too.You are just halfway through with 20... Read more
CPT® 2013 Proposals Might Ring in Several Changes to Pulmonology Coding
Evaluation and Management coding get a fresh look too.You are just halfway through with 20... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Shift to J Codes for Better Specificity For Emphysema
Hint: Exclusions remains the same as in ICD-9 codesYou regularly see patients for shortnes... Read more
Shift to J Codes for Better Specificity For Emphysema
Hint: Exclusions remains the same as in ICD-9 codesYou regularly see patients for shortnes... Read more
Reader Question:
Learn When To Report Nebulizer Demonstrations Separately
Question: Our pulmonologist recently assessed a patient with complaints of shortness of br... Read more
Learn When To Report Nebulizer Demonstrations Separately
Question: Our pulmonologist recently assessed a patient with complaints of shortness of br... Read more
Reader Question:
Stay Away From After-Hour Codes For Medicare Patients
Question: Our pulmonologist usually sees patients only till 6 p.m. everyday. But, on Wedne... Read more
Stay Away From After-Hour Codes For Medicare Patients
Question: Our pulmonologist usually sees patients only till 6 p.m. everyday. But, on Wedne... Read more
Reader Question:
Capture This Code For Laser Destruction of Bronchial Tumors
Question: I am looking for the CPT® code for Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser or the YA... Read more
Capture This Code For Laser Destruction of Bronchial Tumors
Question: I am looking for the CPT® code for Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser or the YA... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Settle For Unlisted Inhalation Solutions Code For Histamine Challenges
Question: Our pulmonologist frequently undertakes methacholine challenge tests. But, somet... Read more
Settle For Unlisted Inhalation Solutions Code For Histamine Challenges
Question: Our pulmonologist frequently undertakes methacholine challenge tests. But, somet... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Wake Up To Better Sleep Study Reporting With Our Guidance
Check documentation for parameters recorded to improve reporting accuracy. When your pulmo... Read more
Wake Up To Better Sleep Study Reporting With Our Guidance
Check documentation for parameters recorded to improve reporting accuracy. When your pulmo... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Reel In All Your Pay for Pneumovax Vaccines
Key: Focus on product and administration for complete reporting.When your pulmonologist pr... Read more
Reel In All Your Pay for Pneumovax Vaccines
Key: Focus on product and administration for complete reporting.When your pulmonologist pr... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Crosswalk to J Codes and Heed These Descriptor Changes For Streptococcal Pneumonia
Hint: Watch out for changes to exclusions also in ICD-10 codesAs a pulmonology coder, you'... Read more
Crosswalk to J Codes and Heed These Descriptor Changes For Streptococcal Pneumonia
Hint: Watch out for changes to exclusions also in ICD-10 codesAs a pulmonology coder, you'... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Appropriate Modifiers to Override MUEs
Question: Our pulmonologist is insisting that we bill 31622 two times for a patient on who... Read more
Append Appropriate Modifiers to Override MUEs
Question: Our pulmonologist is insisting that we bill 31622 two times for a patient on who... Read more
Reader Question:
Beat Coding Issues for Co-assistance During Surgery
Question: My coding problem involves a 3-hour surgical session for bronchoscopically monit... Read more
Beat Coding Issues for Co-assistance During Surgery
Question: My coding problem involves a 3-hour surgical session for bronchoscopically monit... Read more
Reader Question:
J Codes Are Your Answer for Combo Inhalation Treatment
Question: One of our pulmonologists gave a combination albuterol/ pulmicort inhalation tre... Read more
J Codes Are Your Answer for Combo Inhalation Treatment
Question: One of our pulmonologists gave a combination albuterol/ pulmicort inhalation tre... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Identify Correct POS for Sleep Study Interps
Question: Our pulmonologist provides interpretations for sleep studies at multiple locatio... Read more
Identify Correct POS for Sleep Study Interps
Question: Our pulmonologist provides interpretations for sleep studies at multiple locatio... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Perfect Your Nebulizer Session Claims With This Advice
Know when to report nebulizer demonstrations with therapy. Accurately reporting nebulizer ... Read more
Perfect Your Nebulizer Session Claims With This Advice
Know when to report nebulizer demonstrations with therapy. Accurately reporting nebulizer ... Read more
E/M Coding Strategies:
Be Aware of When To Use Ventilator Management Codes Instead of E/M Codes
Hint: Look at services provided and patient condition to arrive at right codes.When your p... Read more
Be Aware of When To Use Ventilator Management Codes Instead of E/M Codes
Hint: Look at services provided and patient condition to arrive at right codes.When your p... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Shift to J Codes With Minor Descriptor Changes For Pyothorax
Tip: Watch for fistula as in the ICD-9 codes.Your work as a pulmonology coder might expose... Read more
Shift to J Codes With Minor Descriptor Changes For Pyothorax
Tip: Watch for fistula as in the ICD-9 codes.Your work as a pulmonology coder might expose... Read more
What is Pyothorax?
Pyothorax (empyema) is an accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity that is present betwee... Read more
Pyothorax (empyema) is an accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity that is present betwee... Read more
Reader Question:
Capture Preparation and Administration For Allergen Immunotherapy
Question: Our pulmonologist recently saw an established allergic asthma patient whose symp... Read more
Capture Preparation and Administration For Allergen Immunotherapy
Question: Our pulmonologist recently saw an established allergic asthma patient whose symp... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Confusion Over Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Question: Our pulmonologist recently treated a patient with pulmonary symptoms such as dys... Read more
Avoid Confusion Over Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Question: Our pulmonologist recently treated a patient with pulmonary symptoms such as dys... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Miss Out on Reporting E/M Services With ECMO
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed ventilator management services and provided... Read more
Don't Miss Out on Reporting E/M Services With ECMO
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed ventilator management services and provided... Read more
Coding Tips:
Breathe Easier With These Methacholine Challenge Testing Solutions
Appropriate documentation and modifier usage does the trick. When your pulmonologist perfo... Read more
Breathe Easier With These Methacholine Challenge Testing Solutions
Appropriate documentation and modifier usage does the trick. When your pulmonologist perfo... Read more
E/M Coding Strategies:
Pointers Help You Capture Time, Severity for Accurate Critical Care Services Coding
Ensure thorough documentation to facilitate optimum reimbursements. When a patient suf... Read more
Pointers Help You Capture Time, Severity for Accurate Critical Care Services Coding
Ensure thorough documentation to facilitate optimum reimbursements. When a patient suf... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Capture New Codes Mean More Specificity For Pneumoconiosis
Type of inhaled inorganic dust is vital for accurate coding.If your pulmonologist treats p... Read more
Capture New Codes Mean More Specificity For Pneumoconiosis
Type of inhaled inorganic dust is vital for accurate coding.If your pulmonologist treats p... Read more
What is Pneumoconiosis?
Pneumoconiosis is a type of occupational respiratory problem caused by inhalation of inorg... Read more
Pneumoconiosis is a type of occupational respiratory problem caused by inhalation of inorg... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Confusion Over Lab Interpretations
Question: If our pulmonologist provided interpretation for blood gases that was performed ... Read more
Avoid Confusion Over Lab Interpretations
Question: If our pulmonologist provided interpretation for blood gases that was performed ... Read more
Reader Question:
Identify Location For Multiple Stent Placements
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a stent placement into the bronchus. During... Read more
Identify Location For Multiple Stent Placements
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a stent placement into the bronchus. During... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observe that Spirometry is Component of Bronchospasm Evaluation
Question: Our pulmonologist often performs bronchospasm evaluations at our office. I want ... Read more
Observe that Spirometry is Component of Bronchospasm Evaluation
Question: Our pulmonologist often performs bronchospasm evaluations at our office. I want ... Read more
Coding Tips:
Unlock Your Photodynamic Therapy Claims With This Add-on Code Advice
Capture all aspects of therapy to maximize reimbursements. When your pulmonologist makes u... Read more
Unlock Your Photodynamic Therapy Claims With This Add-on Code Advice
Capture all aspects of therapy to maximize reimbursements. When your pulmonologist makes u... Read more
E/M Coding Strategies:
Tips Help You Select the Right Observation Codes Based on Time
Length of observation period key to accurate reporting.When your pulmonologist places a pa... Read more
Tips Help You Select the Right Observation Codes Based on Time
Length of observation period key to accurate reporting.When your pulmonologist places a pa... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Shift to New Code With No Descriptor Change For Bagassosis
Occupational history is the main clue to diagnosis.As a pulmonology coder, you're likely t... Read more
Shift to New Code With No Descriptor Change For Bagassosis
Occupational history is the main clue to diagnosis.As a pulmonology coder, you're likely t... Read more
What is Bagassosis?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a respiratory problem caused by a hypersensitivity reactio... Read more
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a respiratory problem caused by a hypersensitivity reactio... Read more
Reader Question:
Reporting Cold Air Challenge No Longer A Challenge
Question: Our pulmonologist performed a cold air challenge along with multiple spirometric... Read more
Reporting Cold Air Challenge No Longer A Challenge
Question: Our pulmonologist performed a cold air challenge along with multiple spirometric... Read more
Reader Question:
Correct Use of Modifiers Improves Reimbursements
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed two tests for influenza A and B using a tes... Read more
Correct Use of Modifiers Improves Reimbursements
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed two tests for influenza A and B using a tes... Read more
Reader Question:
Document Saline Usage During Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed bronchoalveolar lavage on a patient. Is it ... Read more
Document Saline Usage During Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed bronchoalveolar lavage on a patient. Is it ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Appropriate Modifiers to Unbundle Biopsy Procedures
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a bronchoscopy with brushing and washings a... Read more
Use Appropriate Modifiers to Unbundle Biopsy Procedures
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a bronchoscopy with brushing and washings a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Identify Scope to Accurately Report Laryngoscopy
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a laryngoscopy procedure on one of our pati... Read more
Identify Scope to Accurately Report Laryngoscopy
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a laryngoscopy procedure on one of our pati... Read more
CPT® 2012 Update:
Pay Attention to These New And Revised Diagnostic Thoracoscopy Codes For Appropriate Reporting
Changes require more specificity. CPT® 2012 delivered a load of changes to the way y... Read more
Pay Attention to These New And Revised Diagnostic Thoracoscopy Codes For Appropriate Reporting
Changes require more specificity. CPT® 2012 delivered a load of changes to the way y... Read more
Excel at Thoracoscopy Coding With This Guidance
You can report thoracoscopic procedure(s) with ease if you follow a few simple and easy-to... Read more
You can report thoracoscopic procedure(s) with ease if you follow a few simple and easy-to... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Look for Specific Etiology When Determing Acute Bronchitis Dx
Single ICD-9 code transforms to ten codes in ICD-10.When reporting acute bronchitis, you w... Read more
Look for Specific Etiology When Determing Acute Bronchitis Dx
Single ICD-9 code transforms to ten codes in ICD-10.When reporting acute bronchitis, you w... Read more
Coding Tips:
Determine Apt Codes for Bronchoalveolar Lavage: Here's How
Closely follow encounter notes to improve reporting accuracy.Your pulmonologist will often... Read more
Determine Apt Codes for Bronchoalveolar Lavage: Here's How
Closely follow encounter notes to improve reporting accuracy.Your pulmonologist will often... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember Tobacco-Use Cessation Counseling Criteria
Question: How do we bill for counseling for smoking cessation? If so, what codes are being... Read more
Remember Tobacco-Use Cessation Counseling Criteria
Question: How do we bill for counseling for smoking cessation? If so, what codes are being... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Appropriate Modifiers for Vacationing Pulmonologists
Question: If our pulmonologist goes for a vacation and another pulmonologist from our own ... Read more
Use Appropriate Modifiers for Vacationing Pulmonologists
Question: If our pulmonologist goes for a vacation and another pulmonologist from our own ... Read more
Reader Question:
Employ Appropriate E/M codes for Follow-up to New Drug Regime
Question: Our pulmonologist put one of our established patients on a new drug regime. The ... Read more
Employ Appropriate E/M codes for Follow-up to New Drug Regime
Question: Our pulmonologist put one of our established patients on a new drug regime. The ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observe When to Bill for Asthma Education
Question: Our pulmonologist spends about 10-15 minutes for asthma education for some patie... Read more
Observe When to Bill for Asthma Education
Question: Our pulmonologist spends about 10-15 minutes for asthma education for some patie... Read more
CPT® 2012 Update:
Look to This Diffusing Capacity Change To Simplify Your PFT Reporting
CPT® simplifies reporting by combining two codes into one. Have you ever struggled w... Read more
Look to This Diffusing Capacity Change To Simplify Your PFT Reporting
CPT® simplifies reporting by combining two codes into one. Have you ever struggled w... Read more
Understanding Diffusing Capacity Tests
Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity and membrane diffusion capacity form a part of complete... Read more
Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity and membrane diffusion capacity form a part of complete... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
J67.0 Transforms Your Farmer's Lung Reporting in 2013
Use history and symptoms hand-in-hand to arrive at the right diagnosis.Currently, if your ... Read more
J67.0 Transforms Your Farmer's Lung Reporting in 2013
Use history and symptoms hand-in-hand to arrive at the right diagnosis.Currently, if your ... Read more
Coding Tips:
Part 2: Boost Your Thoracentesis Coding Accuracy With This Advice
Observe these pointers for reporting additional procedures.Last month, we provided a refre... Read more
Part 2: Boost Your Thoracentesis Coding Accuracy With This Advice
Observe these pointers for reporting additional procedures.Last month, we provided a refre... Read more
Reader Question:
Should Cell Washing Be Bundled With Other Bronchoscopy Procedures?
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a resection procedure for an endobronchial ... Read more
Should Cell Washing Be Bundled With Other Bronchoscopy Procedures?
Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a resection procedure for an endobronchial ... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Home Sleep Monitoring Devices Dilemmas
Question: We provide the HST Type IV home sleep monitoring device to our patients for cond... Read more
Avoid Home Sleep Monitoring Devices Dilemmas
Question: We provide the HST Type IV home sleep monitoring device to our patients for cond... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Sweat Over Deleted Codes in PFT
Question: When I was checking out the CPT® 2012 proposed fee schedules, I was not ab... Read more
Don't Sweat Over Deleted Codes in PFT
Question: When I was checking out the CPT® 2012 proposed fee schedules, I was not ab... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diminish Tracheostomy Tube Change Confusion
Question: Our pulmonologist wants to bill for changing a trach tube for an established tra... Read more
Diminish Tracheostomy Tube Change Confusion
Question: Our pulmonologist wants to bill for changing a trach tube for an established tra... Read more
Preventive Service:
G0436, G0437 Seal Your Asymptomatic Tobacco Use Preventive Counseling Coding
Reserve codes 99406-99407 for symptomatic counseling claims. When an asymptomatic Medicare... Read more
G0436, G0437 Seal Your Asymptomatic Tobacco Use Preventive Counseling Coding
Reserve codes 99406-99407 for symptomatic counseling claims. When an asymptomatic Medicare... Read more
Know 3 Eligibility Criteria
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance for the preventive service b... Read more
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance for the preventive service b... Read more
ICD-10:
Ensure Accurate Physician Documentation When Coding 305.1
Prepare to use F17.200 for nicotine dependence beginning Oct. 1, 2013.Thinking of habitual... Read more
Ensure Accurate Physician Documentation When Coding 305.1
Prepare to use F17.200 for nicotine dependence beginning Oct. 1, 2013.Thinking of habitual... Read more
Coding Tips:
Boost Your Thoracentesis Coding Accuracy With This Advice
Needle or catheter guide your code selectionYou'll find reporting thoracentesis an arduous... Read more
Boost Your Thoracentesis Coding Accuracy With This Advice
Needle or catheter guide your code selectionYou'll find reporting thoracentesis an arduous... Read more
ICD-9/ICD-10 Crosswalk:
Handy Chart Helps Capture Your Pleural Effusion Conditions
Pleural effusion can be caused by a number of clinical conditions. Table 1 below enlists t... Read more
Handy Chart Helps Capture Your Pleural Effusion Conditions
Pleural effusion can be caused by a number of clinical conditions. Table 1 below enlists t... Read more
Reader Question:
Discuss ABN with your patient before pertussis vaccination
Question: Our facility administered Tdap vaccine to a few Medicare patients. These pa... Read more
Discuss ABN with your patient before pertussis vaccination
Question: Our facility administered Tdap vaccine to a few Medicare patients. These pa... Read more
Reader Question:
Do Not Miss POS for Outside Interpretations
Question: If our physician is performing interpretations for studies done at various hospi... Read more
Do Not Miss POS for Outside Interpretations
Question: If our physician is performing interpretations for studies done at various hospi... Read more
Reader Question:
Stretch CF Code Up To Fifth Digit When Pneumonia Is Involved
Question: The physician orders a direct sputum acid-fast stain and culture for mycobacteri... Read more
Stretch CF Code Up To Fifth Digit When Pneumonia Is Involved
Question: The physician orders a direct sputum acid-fast stain and culture for mycobacteri... Read more
Reader Question:
Brace For Pay Rate Changes In 2012
Question: I heard that Medicare providers will face a 'catastrophically large' pay cut in ... Read more
Brace For Pay Rate Changes In 2012
Question: I heard that Medicare providers will face a 'catastrophically large' pay cut in ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Differentiate Split Billing or Global Billing for 94620
Question: For a patient who undergoes 6 min walks under pulmonary stress testing, should w... Read more
Differentiate Split Billing or Global Billing for 94620
Question: For a patient who undergoes 6 min walks under pulmonary stress testing, should w... Read more