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Urology Coding Alert

CPT 2006 Update:
CPT Eliminates 3 G Codes and Helps Streamline Your Coding
Experts expect you'll see slightly lower payments with the new drug admin codes I... Read more
CPT 2006 Update:
Get to Know Your New Drug Administration Codes
CPT Codes has eliminated three temporary G codes and replaced them with three new perman... Read more
CPT 2006 Update:
You Now Have a Better Option For Open Cryoablation
4 new renal pelvis catheter codes reflect emerging technologiesOn Jan. 1, you'll have seve... Read more
CPT 2006 Update:
Consultation Code Deletions Make Your Job Easier
Learn what codes you'll use in 2006 instead of 99261-99263 and 99271-99275 If you... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Modifier 59, Documentation to Capture Payment
Question: A patient come into the office for a cystoscopy and bladder ultrasound. Due to... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Medicare Doesn't Pay on 99371-99373
Question: I noticed that CPT has codes for telephone calls. Should I be using them to repo... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Know the Basics of Medical Decision-Making
Question: When reviewing data for the third key component, medical decision-making, should... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Understanding Simple vs. Radical Nephrectomies
Question: What is the difference between a laparoscopic simple nephrectomy (50546) and a r... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Reporting Chemo Installation With Tumor Resection
Question: My physician always does CPT 51720 after he completes 52224, 52234, 52235 and 5... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Anesthesia With Cysto Tube Change
Question: How would I report the replacement of a cystostomy tube under anesthesia for a p... Read more
NCCI 11.3 Updates:
Are You Reporting 55842-55845 With Complete Cystectomies? Not Anymore
Know when you can, and when you can't, use modifiers to unbundle the newest edits ... Read more
Modifiers, Part II:
3 Field-Tested Tips Help You Use Modifiers 24, 58 and 62
Don't let similarities with other modifiers foil your codingEditor's note: This article is... Read more
News You Can Use:
Aetna Changes Its Practices on Some Prostate Ultrasounds
Prepare to face denials when you report 51795 and 51797 togetherIf you report codes for tr... Read more
Evaluation and Management Services
Presented by Jim CollinsThank you very much Mandy and good morning to everybody across the... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Code Differently Based on Type of Cath
Question: What is the correct code to use for a routine exchange (removal of old, insertio... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Ensure You Get Full Payment for Extensive ESWLs
Question: My urologist spent five hours with a patient performing the following: extracorp... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Modifier 25 for Reporting E/M Codes and G0356
Question: I thought Medicare would pay for E/M services as well as G0356 when we report th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Know When an ABN Is Necessary
Question: Would you explain when and how we should use an advance beneficiary notice so th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Phone Calls Are Critical to 99291-99292
Question: Can we count my urologist's face-to-face discussions and/or telephone discussion... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Previous TURP Determine Resection Code
Question: The urologist performed a resection of a bladder neck tumor, as well as a rese... Read more
Find the Expert Answers to Your Toughest TURP Questions Here
The ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ rule on TURPs limits the codes you can report Det... Read more
Modifiers, Part 1:
Avoid the Modifier Mix-Up With These Expert Tips
Determine when you should append 25, 57 and 59 Note: This article is the first in a th... Read more
Pay Attention to Patient Status When Coding SNF Services
Knowing which urological services are covered will save you time and money Do you think t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include 44300 When Doctor Places Drainage Tubes
Question: How should I code an open removal of stones from an Indiana pouch? The operative... Read more
Reader Questions:
Approach Is Key in Renal Cryoblation Coding
Question: How should I code for renal cryoblation of the kidney?Illinois SubscriberAnswer:... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Codes Include Anesthesia Services
Question: I've been told that we can report the instillation of novocaine into the bladder... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember the Ectopic Ureter Code
Question: One of our patients has presented with recurring kidney infections. The urologis... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lack of Color Doesn't Mean Automatic Denial
Question: Our office is able to perform ultrasound with Doppler, but we do not have a colo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Overcome Hard-to-Find Calyceal Diverticulum Codes
Question: My urologist performed a ureteroscopic incision of a stricture of the opening of... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Does Global Period Affect SP Tube Change?
Question: I'm trying to determine how to code the following scenario: A patient is in the ... Read more
5 Expert Tips Help Guarantee Vasectomy Payment
Involving the patient may help you avoid losing out Recouping reimbursement for an el... Read more
Experts Disagree on the Best Way to Report Prevasectomy Visits
Differing opinions make a coder's job difficult How would you report this scenari... Read more
Don't Open Yourself to Denials On Lap-to-Open Conversions
Modifier knowledge ends confusion When the urologist starts a procedure laparoscopica... Read more
NCCI Quick Quiz:
Get Up To Speed on Bundles Affecting 78730 and 60540
Test yourself with these 6 questions If you're still trying to get a grip on the... Read more
Clarification
Due to a production error in the August 2005 issue, Urology Coding Alert inadvertently rer... Read more
Correction:
Use 96402 Instead of G0356 for Some Payers
Our September 2005 issue included an error in the Reader Question "Don't 'Waste' Unused Dr... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't 'Waste' Unused Drug Portion
Question: One of our patients had an allergic reaction to a drug, causing us to waste near... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Penile Torsion Repair
Question: A 5-year-old patient had the MAGPI procedure and repair of penile torsion. I've ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Coding Hospital Admit for Planned Surgery
Question: My urologist saw a patient in our office for lower urinary tract obstructive sym... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use 51703 No Matter How Catheter Was Removed
Question: My doctor is trying to stump me with "suprapubic needle insertion to pop Foley c... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look to 'Others' When Coding Nerve Blocks
Question: When the urologist does a nerve block to perform an injection procedure for Peyr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tricky Stent Removal Coding
Question: I'm coding an operative report that includes cystoscopy, stent removal, flex ure... Read more
NCCI 11.2 Update:
Coding Adrenalectomies and Nephrectomies Separately? Time to Change Your Claims
Also, avoid reporting drug administration with other urologic procedures - unless you've g... Read more
Consultations:
Ask Where Urologist Provided Service to Nail Down Code
Follow these expert guidelines to get your share of high-paying E/M services The urologi... Read more
Don't Code Referrals Unless Urologist Accepts Complete Care
Without a proven request, your consultation code could lead to an audit or fraud allegatio... Read more
Query Your Urologists to Clear Up Documentation Confusion
Draw on the answers you need for accurate coding What you don't know can hurt you - especi... Read more
Top HIPAA Security Pitfalls and Secrets for Avoiding Them
Presented by Wayne J. Miller The following supplement to Urology Coding Alert is the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Aspiration if Unrelated
Question: A patient had a TURP in January. He came to the office in late March complaining... Read more
Reader Questions:
Steer to Unlisted-Procedure Code for Stomal Stenosis
Question: Is the correct code for stomal stenosis dilation the unlisted-procedure code 538... Read more
Reader Questions:
All Staff Can Perform History Element
Question: My coworker thinks the urologist must take a patient's history, but I think a nu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Break Out New Codes for Contrast Materials
Question: Has there been another change to the codes I should be reporting for low osmolar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid Modifier 73 With Sedated Patient
Question: A patient scheduled for an outpatient cystoscopic procedure was in the outpatien... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cysto for Stone Localization
Question: Our urologist performed a cystoscopy with a retrograde pyelogram to localize a s... Read more
Don't Settle for Unilateral Reimbursement for a Bilateral Nephrectomy
A Medicare change taking effect in July may add over $600 to your 50230 claims A bilateral... Read more
Doctor's Investment of Time May Pay Off in Reimbursement
1 rule when reporting add-on codes will make - or break - your claims Urology coders u... Read more
Bad Documentation Prolongs Agony of Carrier Scrutiny
Most prolonged service denials result from poor documentation - but neatness counts, tooEv... Read more
Case Study:
Report Cysto With TURP to Reflect Urologist's Extra Work
Extra time evacuating clots should mean full pay - despite NCCI bundles TURP complicat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modify 50953 to Describe Ureteroplasty
Question: How can we code what the urologist called a "ureteroplasty procedure"? The opera... Read more
Reader Questions:
Renal Masses, Neoplasms and Tumors - Oh, My
Beware: Many commercial insurers, as well as Medicare, do not recognize 593.9 (Unspecified... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reverse Vasectomies, Not Your Fortunes
Question: How should I code a vas reversal after a laparoscopic vasectomy for sterilizatio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Looposcopy Code on Pouch Type
Question: The urologist performed a looposcopy with resection of a malignant urothelial ca... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nephrostomy Tube Removal
Question: Is there a code for removal of nephrostomy tubes by a surgeon other than the o... Read more
Code All Aspects of Urodynamics Studies for Steady Stream of Reimbursement
Bring in over $900 per session with the answers to these frequently asked questions Whethe... Read more
Prove Need for Urodynamics With Specific ICD-9 Codes
Most urinary incontinence or retention codes are acceptable - but check your LCD All ... Read more
ICD-9 2006 Update:
Hone In on Specific Codes for UTI History, Kidney Failure
Starting in October, you'll see more options for coding urinary obstructionA history of ur... Read more
Don't Hesitate To Ask Doctors To Clear Up Documentation
Draw on the answers you need for accurate codingWhat you don't know can hurt you - especia... Read more
Coding for Same-Day Cystos and Urodynamics? Read This First
You can code them separately - but don't expect full reimbursement for the cystoAlthough u... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Forget 96400 for Medicare
Question: Which code should I use for four-month Lupron injections given in the office? ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Settle on 53010 for Urethrostomy
Question: How should I code a perineal urethrostomy stone removal?California Subscriber A... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Track Down V Code for Missing Tumor
Question: A patient with a tumor that was confirmed radiologically in his renal pelvis was... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Omit Modifier for Repeat Vasectomy
Question: If a patient had a vasectomy in October, and had to have it repeated in April be... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Shun 53040 for Superficial Lesion
Question: The urologist incised and drained a peri-urethral cyst. He said it would be like... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Post-Op Bladder Neck Closure
Question: A patient had had a prior TURP, and the diagnosis was a post-op bladder neck clo... Read more
NCCI Update:
Reporting Radioactive PVR Studies and Cystos Separately? Not Anymore
Watch for new coding edits designed to stop 'double-dipping' for post-void resid... Read more
Pediatric Urology Corner:
Keep Urinalysis Reimbursement Flowing With Clean ICD-9 Coding
Stand up for payment if carrier bundles urine dip into E/M Urinary tract infection (UTI) ... Read more
Quick Key:
Get the NCCI 11.1 Skinny Here
Tired of wading through CMS spreadsheets? Look no further for the new urology bundles ... Read more
Case Study:
Inflate Hopes for Payment for Balloon Catheter Removal
Key: Use 1 E/M code for office visit and initial hospital care on the same day Coding ... Read more
Correction
An article in the April 2005 Urology Coding Alert, "Believe It or Not: Add Frequency Bundl... Read more
Masterful CPT Coding to Capture All Revenue
Presented by Kristine Eckis The following supplement to Urology Coding Alert is the transc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Link PSA Test to Approved Dx Code
Question: Which ICD-9 Codes will Medicare allow as showing medical necessity for the PSA t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep POS Codes Straight for Nursing Facilities
Question: Which CPT Codes and place-of-service codes should we report if the doctor sees... Read more
Reader Questions:
Knockout Coding for Fistulagram
Question: I need a code for fistulagram. The patient had a superficial skin-to-skin penile... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on Unlisted-Procedure Code for Burch Takedown
Question: What is the proper code for Burch takedown or retropubic lysis of adhesions and ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Node Dissection to Decide Ileal Loop Code
Question: What should I code for a radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal conduit diversion?... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Friends With -78 for Post-Op Cysto
Question: Ten days after an open simple prostatectomy, the urologist brought the patient b... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cystolithoplaxy and Tumor Fulguration
Question: One of my urologists performed the following: cystoscopy, bilateral retrograde p... Read more
Master These 6 Coding Scenarios and Save UPJ Payments From Going Down the Drain
Coding separately for stents can earn you an extra $300 for each pyelotomyAssuming that st... Read more
Decipher Anatomical Lingo for Bulletproof Diagnosis Coding
You don't need a dictionary to find the right UPJ ICD-9 code - just this handy guide Ther... Read more
News You Can Use:
Believe It or Not: Add Frequency Bundles to NCCI
Despite CMS reversal, experts say 'medically unbelievable' edits coming You wo... Read more
Don't Write Off Reimbursement For Post-Endopyelotomy Care
A small global period and a V code can help bring in an extra $38 per patient Follow-... Read more
3 Quick Tips to Achieve Ethical Modifier -25 Reimbursement
Plus: How to get a copy of our easy-to-use appeal letter When you need to report an appro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Aspire to Prostatic Cyst Coding
Question: My urologist did a prostate ultrasound and found a prostatic cyst. He then aspir... Read more
Reader Questions:
No Billing Bilaterally for Stent Removal
Question: Recently, the urologist removed bilateral stents in the office. I submitted a cl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include Post-Op Services Outside OR in Global
Question: A Medicare patient who had indigo laser treatment was seen within the 90-days gl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Out Conscious Sedation in 2005
Question: I've heard rumors that CPT Codes 2005 bundles conscious sedation into endo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Say Hello and Goodbye to Indicator '9'
Question: What does the "9" in the modifier column of the NCCI edits mean? I thought it me... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Overlook NPPs for Incident-To Services
Question: Should we consider time as a factor when billing for educational/counseling serv... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cystocele and Enterocele Repair
Question: The urologist performed a cystocele repair with enterocele repair. How should ... Read more
Myth Buster:
Using Images to Determine Bladder Scan Code? Read This First
What you think you know can hurt you to the tune of $15 per patientIn 2003, CPT Codes int... Read more
Name That Neoplasm
Avoid claim rejections with simple primary and secondary know-howYou know the routine: The... Read more
Quick Quiz:
Get a Grip on New Urology Codes and Bundles
5 questions to put your knowledge of CPT 2005 and NCCI 11.0 to the test Still trying ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Accelerate Toward Green-Light PVP Coding
Question: Is there a CPT Codes for the Green-Light PVP laser procedure? Michigan S... Read more
Clarification
A chart published in the January 2005 Urology Coding Alert ("At a Glance: Track th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Include Contrast in Pyelogram
Question: When billing for a retrograde pyelogram, should I charge for the injection of th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Code for Supplies Brought by Patient
Question: A coworker thinks that when a patient brings a prescription drug, supplied by th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Saying 'Noncontributory' if Doctor Reviewed System
Question: I lose audit points when I use the term "noncontributory" for any portion of the... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Show Urologists' Division of Labor
Question: Two urologists performed surgery on a patient - one did a urethrectomy, and th... Read more
NCCI 11.0 Update:
Include Nerve Blocks and Venipuncture in New Fournier's Debridement Codes
The new edits also change how you code bladder instillation, kidney transplant prep, and... Read more
New Home, Old Bundles for Cysto With Resection
The code has changed, but the bundles stay the same Something peculiar happened with t... Read more
Case Study:
Try Coding This Hematoma and Nephrostomy Tube Revision
Organ or tissue replaced by transplant; kidney) and 996.81 (Complications of transplante... Read more
Quick Key:
Get the NCCI 11.0 Rundown Here
Check this list before using the new instillation or Fournier's codes The National... Read more
Are You Ready to End Your E/M-Guideline Confusion? We Can Help
Use CMS' responses to our questions to report correct E/M levels Like many coders,... Read more
You Be the Expert:
Should You Factor Patient's Status?
Question: During an office visit, my doctor performed an expanded problem-focused history,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Seek Out Hidden Penis With 54161
Question: My doctor has a 10-month old patient with a hidden or buried penis. The doctor... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Specifically for Saturation Biopsy
Question: My urologist wants me to code a saturation biopsy of the prostate with Cryogrid ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose 99235 for Examiner Only
Question: Dr. Smith was on-call and in the early morning admitted a patient to the hospita... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Unlisted-Procedure Code for Mitrofanoff Dilation
Question: The urologist did an endoscopic evaluation of a patient's Mitrofanoff access, a ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include Supplies in Valsalva Code
Question: Which code should I use to report a Valsalva leak point test? We used to report ... Read more
Reader Question:
Let the Elements Drive Your History Documentation
Question: The chart that physicians use to select the level of history includes identifier... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Fournier's Debridement and Orchiectomy
Question: My urologists did an extensive four-hour debridement of Fournier's gangrene invo... Read more
Coding 96400 for Lupron Administration? Not Anymore
CMS wants you to meet 3 new G-codes - and reacquaint yourself with an old CPT Code - to re... Read more
Fee Schedule Update:
Prepare for a Mixed Bag of Urology RVUs in 2005
You'll see some payments drop 80 percent - and others rise 500 percent Brace yourselves, ... Read more
At a Glance:
Track the Biggest RVU Gainers for 2005
Next year brings nosebleed-inducing climbs in reimbursement for some urology procedures - ... Read more
Code Correctly to Avoid Incident-To Accidents
Careful: Not all NPPs are eligible to perform incident-to services in a urology practice ... Read more
CPT Reminder:
No More Amazing Grace Period to Use New Codes
Starting January 1, you'll have to start reporting the new CPT codes immediately C... Read more
Reader Questions:
Show Necessity for Post-Circ OR Return
Question: A 10-month old had a circumcision and went to the recovery room. Nothing in the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 52276 for Holmium Incision
Question: Is there a code for "cystourethroscopy, Holmium incision of urethral stri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider S-Code for Private Carriers
Question: I need to code the following: hand assisted laproscopic cryosurgery converted to... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use 99234-99236 for Assumed Care
Question: When a urologist performs an inpatient consult, I bill CPT 99251-CPT 99255. Shou... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ureter Unroofing
Question: I need a code for cystoscopic unroofing of the ureter and electrocoagulation of ... Read more
Available Years:  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999