Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: A new correct coding initiative (CCI) is coming out soon, and I heard that bronchoscopy codes are getting some tweaking. Are there any edits pulmonology coders need to look out for?Minnesota SubscriberAnswer: CCI version 14.2, effective July 1, bundles several services into bronchoscopy (31622-31656) and chest tube insertion (32550, 32551) codes.According to the edits, the following services are bundled into 31622-31656, 32550 and 32551:• 93000 -- Electrocardiogram, routine ECG with at least 12 leads; with interpretation and report• 93005 -- ... tracing only, without interpretation and report• 93010 -- ... interpretation and report only• 93040 -- Rhythm ECG, one to three leads; with interpretation and report• 93041 -- ... tracing only without interpretation and report• 93042 -- ... interpretation and report only.But these edits have a "1" indicator, so you might be able to break the bundle with modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) in certain situations.-- Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were answered/ reviewed by Alan L. Plummer, MD, professor of medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta; and Carol Pohlig, BSN, RN, CPC, ACS, senior coding and education specialist at the University of Pennsylvania department of medicine in Philadelphia.