dballard2004
True Blue
I have a pressing questions for all ortho coders....
If a provider takes an x-ray of the patient's left foot and then takes an x-ray of the patient's right foot for comparison reasons (no other reason just a comparison), can you report the comparison x-ray?
I read in an orthropedic manual from Ingenix that comparison x-rays that are done in the absence of medical necessity (no signs/symptoms) are considered screening by Medicare and are not payable. Does anyone know this to be true and can you point me to a specific guidance from CMS that states this?
Also, would you use modifier 50 for the comparison x-rays, or just LT, RT?
Thoughts?
If a provider takes an x-ray of the patient's left foot and then takes an x-ray of the patient's right foot for comparison reasons (no other reason just a comparison), can you report the comparison x-ray?
I read in an orthropedic manual from Ingenix that comparison x-rays that are done in the absence of medical necessity (no signs/symptoms) are considered screening by Medicare and are not payable. Does anyone know this to be true and can you point me to a specific guidance from CMS that states this?
Also, would you use modifier 50 for the comparison x-rays, or just LT, RT?
Thoughts?