Tag: Procedural Codes

Modifier 50

Mastering Modifier 50: Ensure Accurate Billing for Bilateral Procedures

Modifier 50 is used to indicate that a procedure or service was performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session. It’s essential to use this modifier correctly to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. Key points for appropriate use: Bilateral Procedures: The procedure must be performed on identical, opposing structures (e.g., eyes, […]
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New Codes for COVID Vaccine

AMA Unveils New Codes As COVID Vaccine Approval Looms

Federal approval of the Pfizer vaccine, believed to be better than 90 percent effective, could occur before the end of the month. When the long-awaited and much-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in the U.S., a development that could take place before the end of the year, a set of new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes […]
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Chiropractic Coding Changes

Chiropractic Code Changes For 2020

You are indeed correct that ICD-10 coding makes its updates on Oct. 1 for the following year. This means the codes actually update on that date and any date of service on or after Oct. 1 must use the new or updated code to be valid. CPT codes or procedure codes actually do not update […]
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evaluation and management (EM) service

How To Code E/M Levels with Confidence

How many times has a provider asked you, “What do I need to document to get a 99215?” All too often, medical coders feel they should help their providers understand what elements of documentation are needed to warrant the higher level evaluation and management (E/M) service. Do not do it! If It Isn’t Documented, It […]
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Surgical Procedure

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 […]
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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 […]
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