Pulmonology Coding Alert

Dont worry: CCI changed little for pulmonologists.

While many practices are poring over the 304,000 edits contained in the Correct Coding Initiatives (CCIs) version 15.1, effective April 1, you likely arent one of them.

On the radar: CCI aims its fire at a select few codes this round, with only 524 unique codes listed in column 2 of the new column 1/column 2 edit list, and only 48 codes make up the top 80 percent of those listed, said Frank Cohen, MPA, senior analyst with MIT Solutions,Inc. in Clearwater, Fla., in a March 12 news release.

The top most commonly-occurring codes somewhat relevant to pulmonology in column 2 of the new nonmutually exclusive edits are 94250 (Expired gas collection, quantitative), 94680-94690 (Oxygen uptake,expired gas analysis), and +96376 (Therapeutic, prophylactic,or diagnostic injection; each additional sequential intravenous push ...), all with 1.67 percent of the total (5,065 occurrences each), Cohen says.

Keep in mind: You can use a modifier to separate most of these bundled codes if you can demonstrate that a separately identifiable, distinct procedure was performed.

In most cases, procedures such as injections performed during surgery would be included in the main surgical procedure anyway, so these edits shouldnt hurt at all, says Heather Corcoran with CGH Billing in Louisville, Ky.

Deleted pairs: CCI deletes 36 edit pairs, which are a boon for those who practice in the neuromuscular realm,but, unfortunately for pulmonologists, the deleted pairs dont really apply to lung disorders.