Urology Coding Alert

Bonus: This summary can put you one CEU closer to reaching your renewal requirement

If you're a certified professional coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), you know that each year you have to continue enhancing your coding knowledge by obtaining continuing education units (CEUs).

Problem: With the demands of a job in coding, this isn't always an easy task. Attending seminars, audio conferences, and live conferences is a great way to earn CEUs, but it isn't always practical due to time and budget constraints.

Good news: You can use Urology Coding Alert to quickly and easily earn CEU credits.

"Using the Coding Alert articles is a great source for getting CEUs," says Wendy Willes, head of the CEUs/Member Services department of the AAPC. "It encourages coders to read the articles that are so informative to their career and specialty. If they are subscribing to the Coding Alert, they will not only get information pertaining to their career, but will also be able to obtain CEUs at the same time."

Many subscribers, such as Tina Miller, CPC, with Urology Associates of Central California in Fresno, already use their subscription to tackle their CEUs. "I have in fact used several of your articles for my CEUs. When I receive your publication, I review what I think I will find the most helpful when coding. I take that article and break it down into a synopsis and include how I applied the information in my day-to-day work or using a specific case," Miller says.

How it works: Look for key words such as "example," "scenario" and "op report," says Erin Lang Bonin, PhD, CPC, editorial director of Eli Research. "I look for those sorts of words and often find ready-made scenarios I can use to earn my CEUs."

Example: Put these bullets in your reference guide and submit them to the AAPC for a ready-to-go one-CEU credit. Summary: Newsletter--Urology Coding Alert When a urologist performs biofeedback training on a Medicare patient who qualifies for the service, you should use 90911 (Biofeedback training, perineal muscles, anorectal or urethral sphincter, including EMG and/or manometry) to report the initial service. You should report the appropriate diagnosis codes such as 625.6 (Stress incontinence, female) or 788.35 (Post-void dribbling) as the associated diagnosis to show medical necessity.

You cannot separately report 51784 (Electromyography studies [EMG] of anal or urethral sphincter, other than needle, any technique) and 97032 (Application of a modality to one or more areas; electrical stimulation [manual], each 15 minutes) based on National Correct Coding Initiative bundles. ("Regain Control of Your Biofeedback Reimbursement With These 6 Expert Tips" Urology Coding Alert Vol. 9, No. 5).