Ensure you’re taking “reasonable and appropriate” measures to avoid accusations. From coding to compliance, your GI back office staff is probably busier than ever trying to stay on the right side of the many regulations you face. One area that’s [...]
Question: The chart documentation seems a little brief, but this seems like a pretty sick patient. What E/M level would you assign to this chart? Ohio Subscriber Chief Complaint: Shortness of breath HPI: This 58-year-old male patient presents complaining of shortness [...]
Watch out for descriptor changes to codes in ICD-10. If your pulmonologist arrives at a diagnosis of viral pneumonia after Oct.1, 2014, you’ll need to continue to concentrate on the causative viral organism as in ICD-9 – look for broader [...]
Question: Which ICD-9 code should we use for pneumonitis? I had been using "486" but one of our physicians disagreed with this? Please tell me if I am reporting the diagnosis incorrectly.New York SubscriberAnswer: The key to a successful claim [...]
Question: What ICD-9 code do you use for pneumonitis? I had been using "486" but one of our physicians disagreed with this? Please tell me if I am reporting the diagnosis wrong?New York SubscriberAnswer: The key to a successful claim [...]
Hint: Watch out for changes to exclusions also in ICD-10 codesAs a pulmonology coder, you're very likely to encounter cases of pneumonia due to Streptococcal pneumoniae. Be proactive and bone up on how to report pneumonia caused due to S. [...]
Question: My pulmonologist documented "multilobar pneumonia." What ICD-9 code should I report?Arizona SubscriberAnswer: When coding for pneumonia, you should be able to identify the specific type, and code based on the causal organism. The Coding Clinic emphasizes that the term [...]
Question: My physician documented "multilobar pneumonia." Which ICD-9 code should I report?Answer: When coding for pneumonia, you should be able to identify the specific type, and code based on the causal organism. The Coding Clinic emphasizes that the term "lobar [...]
Gather specifics by double-checking documentation. Do you know all the information you need to code pneumonia correctly? You can code for this disease with accuracy if you know the disease's causal organism and pay attention to fifth-digit specificity. Know when [...]
Consider: Where do BMI codes fare in pulmonology? Efficient billing is not just about getting your CPTs right. You need to possess a thorough knowledge and use of modifiers and diagnosis codes before you can come full circle on efficient [...]
