Simplified reporting of thoracentesis all set to help
pulmonology coders .If you were in the habit of reaching out for Category III codes when your pulmonologist performed procedures such as bronchial thermoplasty, airway sizing and insertion or removal of bronchial valves, you'll have a better chance of recouping pay for these services after Jan.1, 2013 as these codes got an upgrade to Category I in the CPT® 2013 changes. Read on for these and other changes in the works.After Jan. 1, you'll no longer have these Category III options: +0250T (Airway sizing and insertion of bronchial valve[s], each lobe [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure])0251T (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with removal of bronchial valve[s], initial lobe)+0252T (...each additional lobe [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure])0276T (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial thermoplasty, [...]
