Cardiology Coding Alert

Here are 2 good reasons to be sure you're using the most current payer policy.

Palmetto GBA providers, be sure to check your local coverage determination for varicose veins.

Effective Oct. 18, 2012, Palmetto added two new ICD-9 codes that support medical necessity for lower extremity varicose vein procedures:

• 459.31, Chronic venous hypertension with ulcer
• 459.33, Chronic venous hypertension with ulcer and inflammation.

To be sure you refer to the LCD that applies to your date of service, search the Medicare coverage database at www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/. For instance, to find the LCD referenced here, search L31796 in the quick search box, and then enter the relevant date of service on the next screen.