Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

CPT 2007 UPDATE:
Stop Reporting 52204 Multiple Times for Multiple Biopsies
Plus: Learn how to incorporate 2007's renumbered codes For urology coders, the 2007 CPT r... Read more
CPT 2007 UPDATE:
Say Goodbye to the Fight for Nerve Block Plus Circumcisions
These new CPT codes put you in the winner's circle every time Urology coders have lon... Read more
BREAKING NEWS:
Prepare for Steep Payment Cuts Coming This January
Good news: Despite blanket cuts, expect a boost in E/M reimbursement Your Medicare reimb... Read more
Want to Make More Money? Experience Pays
Our second annual salary survey shows that experience, education and certification can hel... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Bone Up on Your Incident-to Guidelines
Question: We bill for a nurse practitioner who does initial consultations in our office on... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Meet These Critical Care Requirements
Question: In the afternoon, our urologist saw a patient for 30 minutes on the hospital flo... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Submit J9031 Even for Wasted Amount
Question: A patient came in for BCG, and we mixed the instillation solution. But when the ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get to Know Your Prolonged Service Codes
Question: Can you explain what prolonged service codes are for and when I might use them?I... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
Initial vs. Subsequent Dilations
Question: Is there a time limit on dilation of a urethral stricture with filiform and foll... Read more
Case Study:
Capture Full Payment for Same-Day, In-Office Renal Sonogram and VCUG
Thorough documentation ensures payment for your urologist's E/M services Determining what... Read more
News You Can Use ~ Stop Reporting 77421 With 3 Bladder Catheterization Codes
Focus your energy on these 3 urology-specific edits Each quarter, you face the often-... Read more
Learn When You Can Report Both a Procedure and an E/M
Don't forget to append modifier 25 when you report multiple services When your urologist ... Read more
Winning Strategies Help You Transition to the New CMS-1500 Form
Is your software ready to handle the changes? Now's the time to update your billing system... Read more
Get Up to Speed on the CMS-1500 Changes
Review the final version of the form online The current CMS-1500 form will not be compatib... Read more
Learn How Easy It Is to Get an NPI Number
To save time and effort, gather info before you start Even though the deadline is fast ap... Read more
NPI and CMS-1500 Form Do's and Don'ts
If you're looking for "just the facts," here's a quick list of Do's and Don'ts that can he... Read more
Reader Question ~ Base Excision Code on Lesion Size
Question: One of our patients had a recurrent penile lesion after having a radical circumc... Read more
Reader Question ~ Use Modifier 52 for Reduced Procedure
Question: My urologist started a laparoscopic nephrectomy that he had to convert to open. ... Read more
Reader Question ~ Admission With No Exam Changes Your Coding
Question: Can you tell me how you would code if the patient comes to the office for an E/M... Read more
Reader Question ~ Factor Location Into Payment Calculations
Question: How can I figure out what a procedure code pays in dollars when I'm only given t... Read more
You Be the Coder ~ Just How Many Biopsies Qualify as 'Multiple'?
Question: One of my doctors has a question concerning prostate biopsy. He felt the need ... Read more
Breaking News:
CMS Adds Accepted ICD-9 Codes for PSA, Urine Cultures
Starting Oct. 1, you'll have more diagnoses that will justify these tests Effective Oct. ... Read more
Prepare for a 5.1% Pay Cut Next Year if CMS Has Its Way
But Congress can still change things A few short months ago you faced the prospect of a ... Read more
Operating a Urology 'Pod Lab' May Be Impossible in 2007
CMS wants to impose strict regulations that will limit your profit In recent years, many ... Read more
Ensure Proper Payment By Knowing Global-Period Rules
Tip: Don’t assume post-op care is part of the global surgical package If you&rsq... Read more
These Services Are Not Part Of The Global Surgical Package
If you're not reporting these services separately, you're losing money It can be hard to ... Read more
Guest Columnist:
Annette Grady, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, OS: Avoid These Common ASC Coding Mistakes Or Face Denials
If you're new to surgery center coding, make modifier SG your friend Any urology Coders ... Read more
FAQs ~ You May Not Need Modifiers 78, 79
Question: I code for an ASC, and my payer won't reimburse me for claims with modifiers 78 ... Read more
FAQs ~ Don't Rely on All Physician Selections
Question: Our ASC requires the urologist to dictate his CPT Codes directly into the op r... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Tackle Office Visit Denials With Modifier 25
If you're not reporting these services separately, you're losing money It can be hard to k... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Remember to Report Sonogram Interpretation
Question: Our urologist saw an established patient who had gotten a catheter inserted in t... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Stamp Out Compliance Concerns
Question: I've heard some offices use physician signature stamps. Is this legal?Washington... Read more
You Be the Coder ~ Coding a Switch to an Open Stone Removal
Question: My urologist attempted to use a laser to destroy and remove a patient's large bl... Read more
Eradicate ESWL Coding Confusion With These Expert Tips
Hint:  50590 applies to a stone in the kidney or ureterExtracorporeal shockwave litho... Read more
Back to Basics:
Brush Up on Your ICD-9 Skills Before the 2007 Codes Hit
Follow these tips and guarantee proper diagnosis coding practices Choosing the right ... Read more
Unhappy With Your Collections Rate? 7 Strategies Can Put You on the Road to Success
Collection agencies can be a great way to bring in the money--if you can't collect it in-h... Read more
Boost Your Collections Results With Simple Wording
A firm letter can catch a patient's attentionGetting a difficult patient to pay his accoun... Read more
Collections Checklist:
Remember These 6 Criteria When Hiring a Collection Agency
Even with consistent adherence to collection procedures, practices will have some outstand... Read more
Quick Quiz:
Test Your NCCI Knowledge With These 6 Questions
If you don't know how to override edits, you could be leaving money on the tableNational C... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Repair Your Fistula Coding
Question: My urologist noted that a patient “underwent a repair of a rectourethral... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Prosthesis Removal Equals Foreign-Body Removal
Question: How should I report the removal of a testicular prosthesis from the patient&rs... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 11420-11426 for Scrotal Cyst Excision
Reviewed on May 27, 2015 Question: My urologist performed an excision of a sebaceous... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Attempt 64430 Coding With Private Payers
Question: Will insurance companies cover code CPT 64430 when we're administering Verapami... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Green-Light Laser Procedure
Reviewed on May 27, 2015 Question: My physician documented that he performed “... Read more
Differentiate Urologist's Tasks for Proper Brachytherapy Coding
Don't forget to report ultrasound guidance when your urologist performs it in-office When... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Determine Your NPP Coding Know-How
Take this quiz to see how well you know incident-to guidelines You might think you have no... Read more
News You Can Use:
Ensure Your Modifier 25 Documentation Stands Up
 A new CMS transmittal may mean modifier 25 claims will be targeted Determining when... Read more
Version 12.2 Update:
Urology Coding Escapes Major NCCI Overhaul
You don’t have to worry about learning a whole list of new National Correct Coding... Read more
Answers to Your Top-5 Consult Questions
 We've examined your queries, now we tackle the solutions If you're still trying to g... Read more
Reader Questions:
File 2 Reports for Staged Vasectomy
Question: Our urologist performed a vasectomy on the right side in the office under local ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When to Avoid 50 With Bilateral Codes
Question: How should I report a cystoscopic  bilateral ureteral wash?New Jersey Subsc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Capture Supporting Information With E Codes
Question: I've never really understood E codes and when I should use them. Would you expla... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Global Days Before Coding Discharge
Question: Can I use CPT 99238, the discharge day management code, with a hospital surgery ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 12001-12007 for Frenuloplasty
Question: When a urologist performs a frenuloplasty for a torn frenulum, which CPT Code ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Turn to 78 for Return to OR
Question: Three weeks after a patient underwent an open nephrectomy, he presented with an ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Ureteroscopy and Stent Removal
Question: A patient had an ESWL and then came back for stent removal. The urologist found ... Read more
Unlock Reimbursement With Expert Answers To Your Top Urodynamics Coding Questions
You could be missing out on up to $350 per study by incorrectly coding in-office tests Ma... Read more
Differentiate Between Urodynamics Tests and Codes to Ensure Clean Claims
Learn what makes a urodynamics test 'complex' and when you should report a higher-paying c... Read more
Attach LT, RT and 50 to Report Bilateral Procedures Correctly
Tip: Determine the best modifier using Medicare's Physician Fee Schedule When your urolog... Read more
Self-Audit Primer:
Don't Miss This Chance to Improve Your Practice's Coding Accuracy
Self-audits are well worth the time, experts say Although some coders believe that sel... Read more
Clip and Save:
Let This Self-Audit Checklist Be Your Guide
Consider 9 criteria when you sit down with your audit materials If you don't know... Read more
Solve the Problems Your Self-Audit Uncovers
If your physician is stuck in a coding rut, give him the tools to get on track Do you ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Rule Out Mid-Surgery Repairs
Question: How should I code for an insertion of a non-inflatable semi-rigid penile prosthe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append 22 for Extra Work
Question: When my urologist performs a robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostate... Read more
Reader Questions:
Define Specific Problem for Post-Op Consultations
Question: Can a consulting urologist charge for postoperative visits when another surgeon ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stop Looking for Prescription Service Code
Question: My physician heard that there's a code we can bill and be paid on for the writin... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Bladder Hydrodistention
Reviewed on May 27, 2015 Question: How should I code for bladder hydrodistention for... Read more
ICD-9 2007 Update:
Welcome These New Urinary Symptom Diagnosis Codes Debuting in October
Bonus: You'll also have several new pain management codes to support your urologist's serv... Read more
ICD-9 2007 Clip and Save:
Make Sure You're Ready for the October Changes Affecting Urology
Tack this chart to your wall and avoid the confusion of diagnosis deletions and addition... Read more
3 Scenarios Help You Flawlessly Report Radical Nephrectomies
Tip: Scrutinize documentation so you don’t miss reporting additional procedures ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Do You Deserve a Refund? CMS Underpaid for Lupron in 2005
Contact your carrier soon to reclaim the money you're owed If your urologist administered... Read more
Answers to Your Top-4 TURP Coding Questions
Want to know what you can bill with your claims for transurethral resection of prostate? L... Read more
Make Your TURP Code Selection a Snap With This Flow Chart
Step-by-step instructions make TURP coding a breeze If you're looking for an easy way to d... Read more
Appeal Your TURP Claims With Confidence
Use this template to show the payer why you deserve every cent of reimbursement You follow... Read more
Reader Questions:
Capture Additional Payment for Multiple Biopsies
Question: How should I report a cystourethroscopy during which the urologist uses one scop... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Codes Radiotherapist Is Reporting
Question: Our radiation oncologist asked our urologist to perform a cystoscopy after he pl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose Unlisted for Stone Removal in Kock Pouch
Question: A patient presented to our office with a stone in his Kock pouch. The urologist ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Sure You Meet Incident-To Criteria
Question: We have a new physician assistant in our office who sees patients for the urolog... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid NF Codes for Rest Home Services
Question: Should I use the same codes when a urologist performs an E/M service on a rest h... Read more
Reader Questions:
CPT 2006 Offers a New Stenting Code
Question: I have read in the past that it is appropriate to use 52332 when stenting via an... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit Electronic Claim First, Followed by Paper Claim
Question: We have difficulty filing paper claims for unlisted-procedure codes. Our payer s... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Test Your Repeat Vasectomy Skills
Question: My urologist performed a repeat vasectomy nine months after the patient's first ... Read more
Version 12.1 Update:
New Bundles Force You to Use a Modifier For 11004-11006 With Removal of Implants
NCCI says debridement is already included in 3 urology procedure codes You can’... Read more
Version 12.1 Update:
Conscious Sedation Bundles Don't Mean RVUs Are Coming
NCCI confirms that you shouldn't expect payment on new sedation codes If you thou... Read more
Support Prolapse Codes With Location, Approach Notation
You cannot report mesh with all prolapse procedure codes Note: This is the second art... Read more
3 Years Is Key to Deciphering New and Established
Count the years since the patient's last visit to determine E/M codingWhen your urologist ... Read more
Urology Coders' Salary Survey:
Longevity, Education Pay in Urology Practices
Knowledge and perseverance are key to earning big money in the fieldIf you've ever wondere... Read more
Urology Remains One of the Highest-Paying Fields for Coders
Veteran coders share how you can get your piece of the pieIf you thought all specialties p... Read more
It's True:
Experienced Coders Really Do Earn More
      Stay in the field and reap the benefits, our results showDetermine w... Read more
Up Next Month
In our June "Extra" issue, we'll show you our TURP coders' toolkit, with all the informati... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
After-Hours Emergency Equals 99050, Not 99052
Question: My urologist returned to the office at midnight to see a patient in acute urinar... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Bill 52310 Without a Cysto
Question: A patient came into our office for a stent removal, and the nurse removed it usi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Get Stuck on Drain Removal Codes
Question: A patient had radical perineal prostatectomy. When the urologist tried to remove... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Should You Use Unlisted for da Vinci Procedures?
Question: The physicians in my group have been coding the da Vinci procedure as a laparosc... Read more
Avoid the Stress of Coding Surgical Procedures For Female Urinary Incontinence
Tip: If your physician uses a sling, you only have 1 code to represent the procedure Edit... Read more
Clip and Save:
Chart a Clear Course for Selecting the Best Incontinence Surgery Code
          Link the appropriate diagnosis to the procedure to sup... Read more
NCCI 12.1 Update:
Expect Denials if You Report 50650 With 50220 and Others
Heads up: You won’t be able to use a modifier to break the bundles The National... Read more
Clip and Save:
Solidify Your Consultation Documentation With This Fax Form
Being proactive now can help you avoid denials Documentation--or lack thereof--can determ... Read more
Denial Management Toolkit:
Turn Your Denials Into Dollars With 6 Quick Tips
Share your top denial reasons with office staff and watch future denials disappear If you... Read more
Manage Your Urology Claim Denials in Half the Time
Our experts show you how 4 billing reports can help jump-start collections You review you... Read more
Do These Top-10 Denials Look Familiar? Check Your List
Good news: The most common rejection reasons are also some of the easiest to prevent If yo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Urodynamic Test Reporting Varies by Payer
Question: Our payers often say we should add modifier 51 to 51726, 51784, 51795, 51797, 51... Read more
Reader Questions:
You Can Get Paid for Nurse Catheter Placement
Question: Can we bill CPT 51701 if a nurse is catheterizing a patient?Michigan Subscriber... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Both Lead, Generator Removal
Question: What code should I use for the removal of interstim?Mississippi Subscriber Answe... Read more
Reader Questions:
No Need to Resubmit Early 2006 Claims
Question: Will I need to resubmit the claims I submitted in January 2006 to claim the corr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Lithotripsy Changes Your Cysto Code Choice
Question: Should I report 52352 for "breaking up of a renal stone in the kidney using a la... Read more
Don't Limit Your Consultation Physicians In Separate Specialties Anymore
Bonus:  An NPP can both provide and request consultationsMany of your common--and oft... Read more
Watch Out for the 4th R Of Consultations
Without a documented reason, you can forget reporting a consultationYou can probably recit... Read more
Select Codes for Bladder Tumor Removal Based on Size, Carrier
Learn why you can't report more then one code using modifier 22You may think it's logical ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
New Injection Codes Follow Old G Code Rules
Question: Now that the temporary injection codes G0356, G0351 and G0347 have been replaced... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Weekend Visit Leads to 99050
Question: My urologist saw a patient in the office on a weekend. How should I report this?... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Properly Document Updates to Patient History
Question: Are there any official coding rules or regulations that state how often a patien... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Test Your Potassium Chloride Installation Coding
Question: How should I report a potassium sensitivity test ?North Carolina Subscriber Answ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Remember Modifier 24 During the Post-Op Period
Question: Are office visits post-op kidney transplant payable with diagnosis V58.69, or do... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Avoid Same-Day Hospital Discharge, NF Admit
Question: When my urologist discharges a patient from a hospital and admits him to a nursi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures
Question: If a patient comes in for a diagnostic retrograde (52005) and the physician deci... Read more
NCCI Update:
Version 12.0 Limits How You Can Use New Drug Administration, Renal Ablation Codes
The key: Pay attention to indicators 1 and 0 to prevent denials and capture payment Th... Read more
Have Patients Sign ABNs, and You'll Avoid Nonpayment Hassles
Your office doesn't have to pick up the tab for procedures Medicare won't cover If your ar... Read more
Quick Quiz:
Get Up to Speed on the 2006 CPT Changes
Test yourself with these 5 questions about the edits, deletions and additions If you&r... Read more
Critical CAP Considerations For Your Urology Practice
Presented by Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS The following supplement to Urology Coding... Read more
Reader Questions:
52240 Specifies Fulguration and/or Resection
Question: A patient had carcinoma in situ (CIS) involving over half of his bladder. Our ph... Read more
Reader Questions:
Insurers Won't Pay for Family Counseling
Question: Is there any way we can charge for a visit to discuss a patient's situation if t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose 52612 or 52614 for Repeat TURP
Question: My urologist performed a TURP (52601). One month later the patient developed gro... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Won't Let You Separately Report 64450
Question: Can I bill for a prostate block (64450) with a prostate biopsy and ultrasound gu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine the Modifier for a Terminated Targis
Question: My physician had to terminate a Targis procedure due to mechanical problems. The... Read more
Look Beyond 54640's Descriptor for Accurate Orchiopexy, Hernia Coding
Modifier 51 is your key to getting paid for both procedures in 1 surgical session Whe... Read more
Clip and Save:
Use This Sheet to Improve Your Orchiopexy-Hernia Repair Coding
The surgical approach detemines the code you should report As explained in the accomp... Read more
Modifiers, Part III:
Learn the Keys to Properly Append Modifiers 78, 79 and 80
Hint:  The global period and point of service make a differenceEditor's note: This ar... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Failure to Close Leads You to the Right Fistula Code
Question: My doctor wrote “excision of vesicocutaneous fistula” in a patient... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Condult vs. Diversion Distinguishes 50820, 50825
Question: Would you please explain the difference between codes 50820 and 50825?California... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Modifier 52 to Show a Bladder Neck Incision
Question: Would the CPT code be any different for indigo laser treatment of bladder neck c... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Select the ESWL Code for Your Clinical Situation
Question: A physician gave a referral to another urologist to perform an extracorporeal sh... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Choose P9612 for Specimen Catheterization
Question: Can I charge a catheter code when the urologist does this solely to collect a ur... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use 50553 for Stent Placement Without Endoscope
Question: What code should I report for the placement of a ureteral stent through an estab... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multiple Procedures via a Cystostomy
Question: My urologist treated a patient who did not have a urethra or part of her bladder... Read more
Available Years:  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999