The most commonly reported CPT codes are getting a much-needed makeover. Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS , writes about E/M code changes implemented this year and changes for implementation over the next two years.
Vestibular migraine is a common visual and neurological disorder that can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms of the disorder resemble those of other conditions such as vestibular neuritis and Meniere’s disorder. In this article, Debbie Jones, CPC , reviews clinical indications of vestibular migraine disorder and CPT coding for diagnostic tests used to assess vestibular functioning.
A spinal fusion is a major surgery used to fuse together two or more vertebrae so they can heal into a single bone. This article breaks down spinal anatomy and simplifies CPT and NCCI guidance for reporting spinal fusions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Wound care coding is frequently a target of payer and Office of Inspector General audits. This article provides coders with step-by-step instructions for interpreting provider documentation and assigning CPT codes for excisional, selective, and non-selective debridement, based on the depth of the tissue removed and the total surface area debrided. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Pay close attention to new CPT documentation and coding guidance for reporting radiological imaging. For example, a new paragraph titled “Imaging Guidance” in both the surgery and medicine guidelines advises that even when imaging guidance or supervision are included in a surgical procedure code, you must still follow the radiology documentation requirements in the CPT manual.
In 2018, most organizations held the line on coder productivity, according to the results of sister publication HIM Briefings’ 2018 coding productivity survey.
Modifier -JW is used to describe drug amounts that are discarded and not administered to any patient. This does not reduce the payment for the drugs, so this is an informational modifier, but it is a mandatory modifier.
CMS recently published One Time Notification Transmittal 2259 and MLN Matters 11168 , which outline changes to the processing of NCCI procedure-to-procedure edits associated with modifiers -59 and -X{EPSU}. Read about these updates and how they will impact CPT coding and for select surgical procedures.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, endometriosis affects 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , writes about diagnosing and treating endometriosis as well as ICD-10-CM and CPT coding for the condition.
