Pulmonology Coding Alert
Code Condition to Show Needed ECG
Question: A pulmonologist ordered an electrocardiogram during a routine physical for a 53-year-old woman who has chronic emphysema. How can I show that the ECG was medically necessary and not just for routine preventive care? Answer: The patient's pulmonary condition indicates the potential for cardiac complications, which makes monitoring her heart medically necessary. Because the pulmonologist ordered the ECG to monitor the patient's emphysema -- not just for routine preventive care -- use that ICD-9 code as the primary ECG diagnosis. It is important to monitor the heart. If the patient also has specific symptoms (such as shortness of breath), list them as the primary reason for the testing.
Florida Subscriber
Pulmonology Coding Alert
- Pay Attention to These Factors When Coding Observationue.
Find out if you're a 99217-99236 coding wizard worthy of an extra cup of java [...] - Keep Your Observation Options Straight by Using Our Handy Chart
We break down the scenarios to get you the correct code Tackle coding observation services [...] - Nail Down Pulmonary Diagnoses With These Tips
Hint: Focus on acute conditions, exacerbations The key to correctly reporting asthma, bronchitis and chronic [...] - Look for Keywords to Understand COPD
Physicians will base an initial COPD diagnosis on several factors, and the medical record will [...] - You Be the Coder:
Capture Pleural Effusion Service/Procedure in 5 Steps
Question: Two weeks post lung transplant, a hospital inpatient has a high fever and elevated [...] - Embrace Double-Dipping When You Can Justify It
CMS approves counting statement in HPI and ROS Myth: You can't use the same element [...] - Reader Questions:
Code Condition to Show Needed ECG
Question: A pulmonologist ordered an electrocardiogram during a routine physical for a 53-year-old woman who [...] - Reader Questions:
Antigens: Should You Use 1 Line?
Question: How should I bill preparation of three separate 10-dose immunotherapy vials (using different antigens) [...] - Reader Questions:
Let Reason Steer Attempted Line Coding
Question: When our pulmonologists attempt to put in a central line and have a problem, [...] - Reader Questions:
Reject Modifier in Bronchoscopy Case
Question: A pulmonologist provides two hours of critical care with a bronchoscopy, chest tube insertion, [...]
