How would you code a consult billed the same day as a procedure e.g. 19100, breast bx, when the entire consult is related to the breast mass? Do you just bill for the procedure and not the E/M? Can't really use modifier 25 as it is not a significantly separately identifiable E/M. What do you do with the consult? Thanks Kathy
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Wiki E/M coding
- Thread starter kpetkis
- Start date
dmaec
True Blue
so, did the patient come in specifically for the biopsy? Or did she come in for a consult (which was done) and it was then decided to do a biopsy?... to me, I'd have to assume that documentation WOULD support the separately identifiable E/M (consult) code... which would then need a .25 modifier on it due to the procedure also performed. The "two", (E/M and procedure) do not have to be different issues... it simply has to be separately identifiable -
Since we don't have the note to review, I can't be certain - but my guess is both would be supported.
IF the patient came in for the procedure, and the doctor did a brief exam (usual care associated with the procedure)...then, that would be a procedure only.
again, I'm flying half blind here without the note.
Read the definition of modifier .25 again...you'll see what I mean...
Since we don't have the note to review, I can't be certain - but my guess is both would be supported.
IF the patient came in for the procedure, and the doctor did a brief exam (usual care associated with the procedure)...then, that would be a procedure only.
again, I'm flying half blind here without the note.
Read the definition of modifier .25 again...you'll see what I mean...
dmaec
True Blue
so, this isn't/wasn't really a consult - it was a follow up for the I & D?
well, again - IF the documentation supports a level of service (exam) that is beyond the "norm" for that procedure -then it can be coded...(but if it falls within a global period, you'll need other modifiers too)
well, again - IF the documentation supports a level of service (exam) that is beyond the "norm" for that procedure -then it can be coded...(but if it falls within a global period, you'll need other modifiers too)
FTessaBartels
Guest
Without the note ...
Guessing based on info provided since we don't have the notes.
Patient has I&D and some days later comes for follow-up visit and dressing change, at which time physician decides to do Bx to R/O inflammatory breast cancer. I'm assuming the same physician did the I&D as is now doing the biopsy.
I'd code the biopsy with a -78 and would NOT code the E/M visit.
But again, like Donna, I'm flying blind without the actual documentation.
F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC
Guessing based on info provided since we don't have the notes.
Patient has I&D and some days later comes for follow-up visit and dressing change, at which time physician decides to do Bx to R/O inflammatory breast cancer. I'm assuming the same physician did the I&D as is now doing the biopsy.
I'd code the biopsy with a -78 and would NOT code the E/M visit.
But again, like Donna, I'm flying blind without the actual documentation.
F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC