Erin Lang Masercola

CCI 17.1: Include injections in DLEK & DSEK coding

Practically, all of the nerve block injection codes are now bundled into endothelial keratoplasty So does your ophthalmology practice bill for anesthesia injections along with endothelial keratoplasty (EK) procedures? If so, with effect from April 1 this... Read >

E/M Coding: Learn The Importance Of The Eight-Hour Rule

Clue: Don't use discharge code 99217 in all observation situations. Oftentimes, deciding on what observation code to use can be a challenge, more so because you have to look into two sets of this type. While one set (99234-99236) pertains to the care ... Read >

Otolaryngolology coding : Four FAQs to help your Cochlear Implant Coding

Find out why physicians have limited use of available CPT codes While reporting for audiologist's services, do not forget that Medicare prohibits audiologists from billing for treatment services. They're allowed to bill for diagnostic services only. B... Read >

Gasteroenterology coding:74270 is for barium enema as well as water-soluble contrast

Recently, my gastroenterologist ordered barium enema for a four-year old male patient with a history of encopresis and constipation. Therefore, I am billing the procedure for my radiologist. How should you report the procedure if the radiologist writes... Read >

Pathology coding: Do not miss pay for second flu testing

So which code for influenza – A or B? If your lab test aids you in answering the A/B question, you might be able to report two units of the test code. Watch out: Missing the second test could cost your lab up to $27 in lost revenue. Here are some tips th... Read >

BMI: New code choices could support higher coding, but don't assume you need -22

This year's just-in fifth-digit diagnosis codes for BMI help you document a patient's condition better, especially when the patient's BMI might lead to more complex risk factors for the anesthesiologist to handle. However, having documentation of a high B... Read >

Documentation: Boost efficiencies with the help of ancillary staff

Every physician should own up to a patient's history of present illness. Ancillary staff such as registered nurses and licensed practical nurses can be handy in documenting the history for an evaluation & management encounter; however not past the ROS... Read >

Lab requisition physician signature reprieve

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to stop April implementation The just-in requirement for physician signatures on lab test requisitions won't happen after all, as per a CMS statement to lab groups that lobbied to stop the change. Initially it was... Read >

Family Practice Coding: For Complete Patch Test Coding, Count Every Patch And Office Visit

When your family physician carries out a patch test and follow-up for a patient, do not let some of the calculations go unnoticed. Count each patch and any extra evaluation and management services to round out a complete claim and see your bottom line s... Read >

Three Caveats You Should Remember While Writing Off Patient Balances

Your practice should be caring; however if you are letting patients off the payment hook, your compassion could land you on your payer's and the Attorney General's bad books. Figure out if you know the bottom line when it comes to writing off patient bala... Read >

Orthopedic coding: Global starts post-procedure

In a particular case, an established patient with degenerative scoliosis reports to the orthopedist for an evaluation & management visit. Notes indicate that it was a preoperative visit to prepare the patient for cervical laminoplasty surgery (the service... Read >

Cpt 2011 Adds Two Add-On Codes to Describe Interstitial Device Placement During Another Procedure

Until now, when your general surgeon placed interstitial devices for radiation therapy guidance during a distinct open or laparoscopic abdominal procedure, you did not have a way to report the additional service. See to it that you capture all the pay you... Read >

When counseling dominates, CPT allows you to select code based on 'closest typical time'

Here’s a pediatric coding scenario: A pediatrician provides an evaluation & management service for an established patient that calls for an expanded problem-focused history and exam. However the evaluation & management encounter takes nearly 45 minutes to... Read >

87804: Tips To Stay Away From Denials For Second-Strain Flu Testing Claims

While determining whether a patient has both A and B strains, take a look at your insurer and find out whether modifier 59 is required. If you carry out two tests to screen for two different strains of the flu, do you report two line items on the same c... Read >

Gastroenterology Coding : Here're Three Factors That Make Up The Core Of Egd Coding

Distinguish 'sample collection' from actual biopsy. When your gastroenterologist ventures into a patient's stomach, say while treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chances are she'd choose to evaluate the surface of the lower or distal esopha... Read >