Pulmonology Coding Alert
Flexible Bronchoscopy
Question: Which CPT code should we report for flexible bronchoscopy via a tracheostomy with removal of obstructing crusts? Nebraska Subscriber Answer: The only code for reporting a bronchoscopy via a tracheostomy is 31615 (Tracheo-bronchoscopy through established tracheostomy incision). Typically, this code is used to visualize the patient's airway. If there are "crusts" causing an obstruction and requiring removal, the pulmonologist would most likely aspirate the tracheobronchial tree. You should report this procedure with 31645 (Bronchoscopy, [rigid or flexible]; with therapeutic aspiration of tracheo-bronchial tree, initial [e.g., drainage of lung abscess]) or 31646 ( with therapeutic aspiration of tracheo-bronchial tree, subsequent) depending on whether this procedure was an initial or subsequent aspiration.
answer.
Pulmonology Coding Alert
- Breathe Easy When Coding for ARDS Diagnosis and Treatment
There is more to coding for adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) than just ventilatory management [...] - What Is ARDS?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can help coders by [...] - You Be the Coder:
Flexible Bronchoscopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - You Dont Have to Share Payment When Providing Concurrent Care
A pulmonologist who bills inpatient hospital visits as concurrent care should emphasize the condition he [...] - News Brief:
Look for Revised Place-of-Service Indicators in 2003
As part of its proposed revisions to the 2003 Physician Fee Schedule, CMS has recommended [...] - Reader Question:
X-Ray Interpretation
Question: In our pulmonary practice, patients often bring their x-rays and the written report from [...] - Correction
The example under the heading "Consult, Critical Care Are Options" in the July 2002 Pulmonology [...] - Reader Question:
Consult or Transfer of Care?
Question: If another physician asks our pulmono-logist to evaluate and manage a new patient's (not [...] - Reader Question:
Two Visits on the Same Day
Question: We have a patient who saw the pulmonologist in the morning then came to [...] - Reader Question:
Two or More Allergy Injections
Question: How can we get paid for two or more allergy injections (each different medications) [...]
