Wiki correct coding policy

[awilcox]

I need to inquire about ultrasounds that are done in an office. Is it okay to not bill a procedure until the report comes back? For example, the doctor orders an Echocardiogram for a. fib. or shortness of breath, but those are not "payable dx codes", is it ok to hold those and bill after the report comes back, if the report does infact show a payable diagnosis, such as Mitral Regurgitation?

 

[btadlock1]

I need to inquire about ultrasounds that are done in an office. Is it okay to not bill a procedure until the report comes back? For example, the doctor orders an Echocardiogram for a. fib. or shortness of breath, but those are not "payable dx codes", is it ok to hold those and bill after the report comes back, if the report does infact show a payable diagnosis, such as Mitral Regurgitation?

For out patient coding, ICD-9 guidelines state:
"For outpatient encounters for diagnostic tests that have been interpreted by a physician, and the final report is available at the time of coding, code any confirmed or definitive diagnosis(es), documented in the interpretation. Do not code related signs/symptoms as additional diagnoses." (Section IV, L)

There's no rule with a specific time frame of when a visit has to be coded. Does that help?

 

[awilcox]

That answers it. Thank you very much