Radiology Coding Alert
Hold Local Medicare to NCDs
Question: Are National Coverage Determinations binding on contractors? Michigan Subscriber Answer: Yes. According to a Medicare FAQ, NCDs are binding on the following: " All Medicare carriers " Fiscal intermediaries " Quality improvement organizations " Health maintenance organizations " Competitive medical plans " Healthcare prepayment plans. Resource: You can find the link to the CMS FAQs at www.cms.hhs.gov. Just click on Questions near the top of the page. Remember: NCDs describe Medicare coverage of the described procedure or service on a national basis. Contractors can create their own coverage decisions for items not specifically covered or mentioned in NCDs. You can search NCDs at www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/overview.asp or find them in the NCD manual at www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/ by clicking Internet Only Manuals and choosing publication 100-03. For example, if you click on publication 100-03 and then choose chapter 1, youll find the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty NCD. -- The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by radiology coding expert Jackie Miller, RHIA, CCS-P, CPC, vice president of product development for Coding Metrix in Powder Springs, Ga.
Radiology Coding Alert
- Confused by CMS's New PET Coverage Policy? We've Got Answers
NOPR stats seal the deal for expanded tumor imaging coverage. If youve been reporting to [...] - Prep for July's PI and PS Modifiers
Along with coverage changes, youll have two new modifiers related to oncologic PET scans soon. [...] - Master 'Mutually Exclusive' to Prevent RF/Cryotherapy Mishap
See what the CCI manual says about coding multiple approaches. Coding edits make many people [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Aorta Documentation for 75630 vs. 75716
Question: You Be the Coder in Radiology Coding Alert, Vol. 11, No. 6, included the [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Prove 77080/77081 Necessity or Else
Question: Our Medicare contractor has been denying 77080 as not paid as separate procedure and [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Counting Views, Not Films, Key for Pediatrics
Question: I code the professional component for pediatric radiology. What are the correct CPT codes [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Hold Local Medicare to NCDs
Question: Are National Coverage Determinations binding on contractors? Michigan Subscriber Answer: Yes. According to a [...] - You Be the Coder:
Nail Nephrostomy Coding
Question: Which CPT codes should I report for the following services performed at a single [...] - Take the Guesswork Out of Choosing Hand and Wrist Codes
Let this helpful graphic connect the fracture ICD-9/anatomy dots. Students Like The Professor To Teach [...]
