Tag: CPT Codes

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: […]
HCPCS and CPT Codes

What’s New In 2019 For CMS

This year’s reporting for the Quality Payment Program will affect the 2021 payment year. Kevin J. Corcoran, COE, CPC, CPMA, FNAO, delivered his annual update at Hawaiian Eye 2019, highlighting changes CMS would be making this year for coding, payment issues, regulatory matters, administrative issues and reimbursement issues. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule did not […]
New Rules Issued for Modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, and XU

New Rules Issued for Modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, and XU

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a policy change modification to the claims processing logic for Modifier 59 Distinct procedural service (and the optional patient-relationship modifiers XE, XS, XP, and XU) on February 15, 2019. These modifiers are only processed when applied to the Column 2 code in a bundled pair, per Correct Coding Initiative […]
Coding “Separate Procedures”

Coding “Separate Procedures:” What Coders Need to Know

“Separate procedure” may not mean what you think. Many procedural codes in the CPT® Book are designated as “separate procedures.” However, the common misinterpretation of this is that coders can report such codes as such in every case. Not true. First, you must consider: Were there other procedures performed during the same encounter? Did you consult […]
5 Steps To Coding Success

Lesion Excision: 5 Steps To Coding Success

Lesion excision coding may seem complex, but reporting excision of benign (CPT Code 11400- CPT Code 11471) and malignant (11600-11646) skin lesions can be mastered in five steps. Step 1: Measure First, Cut Second: When assigning CPT® codes 11400-11646, you must know both the size of the lesion(s) excised and the width of the margins […]
CPT Code Set

AMA Releases 2019 CPT Code Set

There were many code revisions with guidelines, descriptions and instructional note changes.    There six new codes in the Evaluation and Management (E&M) section in CPT. Guidelines were revised for Interprofessional Telephone/Internet/Electronic Health Record Consultations. New codes 99451 and 99152 were added to report assessment and management services.  The codes are based on medical consultative […]