Dermatology Coding Alert
Find Medicare LCD in 1 Stop
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Question: Where can I go to look up Medicare carriers' local coverage determinations? Also, is there an easy way to search a particular coverage topic on the Medicare site? Answer: You should first try your individual carrier's Web site, but if you're looking for a quick reference to search and compare policies among multiple carriers, go to the Medicare coverage database, www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/search.asp?.
Georgia Subscriber
The page walks you through several steps to meet your goal. First, select whether you're looking for a national or a local coverage determination. If you choose local, you can search for articles and policies. Just check the boxes that apply.
Next, select a state or a contractor from the list provided. Then, scroll down and check off how you'd like to do your search. You can search by keyword, ICD-9 code, CPT/HCPCS code, coverage topic, and effective dates. After you've typed in your criteria, click "search now" and wait for the results to pop up.
Dermatology Coding Alert
- Reporting Debridement Separately From Wound Repair? Maximize Pay With These Tips
Look for devitalized or contaminated tissue to justify 11040 Many clinical scenarios do not require [...] - ICD-9 Coding:
Take the Rough Edge Off Corn And Callus Coding
Warning: These little-known terms may show up in your doctor's documentation For dermatologists treating the [...] - Avoid Being Swamped by Recent CMS Releases -- Here's How
Missing the surrogate UPIN change guarantees denials You've made it through half the year, but [...] - Same Group, Different Specialty:
Collect What You Deserve
Stand your ground when your carrier shoots you down on new patient visits Watch out: [...] - Reader Questions:
Carriers Differ on Dermabond Coding Rules
Question: An elderly patient had a 1.4-centimeter skin tear on his left thigh. The dermatologist [...] - Reader Questions:
3 or 4 HPI Elements Play Big Role in E/M Level
Question: How does a brief history of present illness (HPI) differ from an extended HPI?
Michigan [...] - Reader Questions:
Check Wound Size Before You Code Wound Care
Question: Our dermatologist saw a patient status post bilateral wrist arthroplasty and he debrided two [...] - Reader Questions:
Make Sure You Meet Incident-To Criteria
Question: We have a new physician assistant in our office who sees patients for the [...] - Reader Questions:
Find Medicare LCD in 1 Stop
Question: Where can I go to look up Medicare carriers' local coverage determinations? Also, is [...] - You Be the Coder:
Get Specific With Decubitus Ulcer Diagnosis
Question: A patient had decubitus ulcers on his right hip and buttock. The dermatologist debrides [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Mix Modifiers
Question: I'm always at a loss on whether to use modifier 25 or modifier 57 [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to 95004-95028 for Intradermal Allergy Testing
Question: When we perform allergy testing, we bill 86003. Should we use 95004?
North Carolina Subscriber [...]