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I code for a family practice, but were starting to exapand and bring on Specialist. So with that said. My strenghth is in E/M coding. Any tips on building my skills on ENT procedures.Outside of seminar's. Can you give me any direction.
Also, educate me on this. Why wouldn't you code the myringotomy CPT 69421 with the insertion of the PE tubes which is 69436. The code you suggested.
Is the CPT 69421 included on the CPT 69436.
Coders may be confused by the terminology when the physician documents a "myringotomy for insertion of ventilating tubes." For coding purposes, this describes a tympanostomy (code 69433-69436).
Ortho, ENT, Podiatry, Uro.
These are the specialty.
Need to strengthen my skills in this area. Primarly dealing with outpatient surgeries. The realury office visits, and minor procedures are not a problem.
If the surgeries are in an ASC setting, you'll probably want to review the Modifiers Approved for Ambulatory Surgery Center Hospital Outpatient Use in Appendix A of your CPT manual. They differ from physician's modifiers. A good software program might help, too. There are several out there. Orthopaedic Alert is a good monthly journal for keeping up with Ortho coding. Becoming familiar with CCI and AMA edits and familiarizing yourself with your carrier contracts will ensure you apply the correct edits. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons puts out the Complete Global Service Data for Ortho Surgery which you'll use if a carrier follows their guidelines for ortho surgery. Attending local AAPC chapter meetings and networking can be very helpful, too. Just some ideas off the top of my head.