Tag: CPT Codes

CMS Proposes Payment Changes to Endoscopic Sinus Codes

CMS Proposes Payment Changes to Endoscopic Sinus Codes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed changes to the payment structure for sinus endoscopy services in the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule (page 53). Specifically, CMS intends to apply multiple endoscopy rules, similar to those used for colonoscopies, to sinus endoscopy reimbursements. This approach is detailed in MLN Matters […]
Global Surgery & Related Service

Procedural Codes: Global Surgery & Related Services

Multiple Surgeries Multiple surgeries are separate procedures performed by a physician on the same patient at the same operative session or on the same day. Multiple surgeries are distinguished from procedures that are components of or incidental to a primary procedure. Intraoperative services, incidental surgeries or components of surgeries will not be separately reimbursed. Reimbursement […]
AMA on Evaluation and Management Service Codes Guidelines

AMA on Evaluation and Management Service Codes Guidelines

Medical coders who were unsure what documentation non-Medicare payers would expect in light of the Patients Over Paperwork Initiative now have more to go on. The initiative reduced documentation requirements for outpatient evaluation and management service codes (CPT® 99201-99215) provided to Medicare Part B patients beginning in 2021. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicated in their initiative that, although […]

Correct Common OB/GYN Coding Mistakes

Overlooking separately billable services rendered during the global period will cost your practice dearly. Many obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN Coding) practices are coding deliveries incorrectly or failing to submit claims for “problem visits” during a prenatal or postpartum visit. Common mistakes such as these not only fail to capture payment for services rendered but also the meaningful […]
How to Approach Emergency Department Claim Denials

How to Approach Emergency Department Claim Denials

By now, many hospitals have received denials for emergency department level-of-care coding. We could legitimately ask, “how did this happen?” Today we shall address how it started, why it’s important, and potential institutional responses. Denials for emergency care are not new. The spectrum of denials and the audacity with which payers deny claims now strains […]
Medicare Payments For Top 10 ASC Codes

Medicare Payments For Top 10 ASC Codes Through 2019

Medicare payments for the top 10 current procedural terminology codes performed by ASCs are expected to remain relatively stable in 2019 compared to 2018, according to VMG Health. 66984: Cataract surgery with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (one-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique Estimated 2017 payments: $1,172 Estimated 2018 payments: $1,206 Estimated 2019 payments: $1,182 45380: […]