Submit MicroVas® Therapy Claims Correctly
- By admin aapc
- In Coding
- January 18, 2010
- Comments Off on Submit MicroVas® Therapy Claims Correctly
The MicroVas Treatment System is a non-invasive vascular treatment device that delivers electromagnetic energy to targeted areas within the body. Although patented and registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is not widely accepted by the payer community. Neither the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) nor carriers such as Noridian Administrative Services (NAS) consider MicroVas payable by Medicare.
Given that, carriers such as NAS continue to receive claims for coverage of MicroVas. According to NAS, it is often inappropriately reported with CPT® code 97032 Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; electrical stimulation (manual), each 15 minutes.
When submitting a claim for MicroVas to Medicare for denial, NAS instructs coders to use CPT® code 97139 Unlisted therapeutic procedure (specify). Place the word MicroVas® in the narrative field (Item 19) on the CMS-1500 claim form or the electronic equivalent.
Due to the nature of the service and the expectation that Medicare will deny the service, NAS says it is appropriate to obtain an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) for MicroVas therapy and report with code 97139 the modifier GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy.
Carrier policies often vary so you should check with yours before submitting claims of this nature.
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Looking up information on what is an ABN for non coverage and the use for this?
The AAPC is an excellent source for accurate information. I recommend the AAPC to my clients often. I have found that the information, as in this situation is excellent advice & correct. I appreciate the ‘facts’ and not ‘hype’. Please keep up the great work.
Dr. D. J. Rodden
Thanks for the great advice!
Very helpful!
Thanks for the great advice!
I recently purchased a microvas machine after being informed it was medicare/medicaid approved (by the manufacturers in Oklahoma). Now it sounds like it cannot be billed to them.
I had spoken to several patients who claimed it is very helpful in solving their physical problems. (carpel tunnel, bladder incontinence, neuropathy, spider bites, wound healing, speeds healing of bruises). I know that podiatrists are using it.
Does anyone know if any insurance companies pay for microvas treatments?
Is it just a matter of filing for the correct ICD code. What is an ABN? Is this to inform the patient that insurance does not pay for it?
I have a lot of money tied into this venture and would appreciate any information any one can share.
Ada –
Advance BEnficiary Notice of Nocoverage (ABN) is a requirement for Medicare-certified providers. Here’s a great PDF from CMS that explains it.
https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads//ABN_Booklet_ICN006266.pdf
in Iowa what is the cpt code microvas can be coded as, we don’t want to use the 97032 code as it will be unattended stimulation and by a podiatrist, we have no physical therapist on board
how many units can we bill for microvas, we used to bill 3 units (15min each) for microvas for medicare pt but had denails of too many units, should we use one line with 6 units and GP RT/LT modifier?