Gastroenterology Coding Alert

CPT®2012 opens opportunity of using code by every specialty. When your gastroenterologist sees a patient for a condition such as protracted vomiting (ICD-9 code 787.03) requiring in-office medication and observation or obstipation/ impaction (564.09, 560.3) requiring in-office enema or disimpaction, you may be able to report prolonged services codes +99354 and +99355 to capture the time and work. The good news is that a 2012 CPT® revision allows you even more bandwidth in using these codes. Read on for advice on accurate reporting with this change. Expand Office or Outpatient Prolonged Services In 2012, you'll have more flexibility in applying office or outpatient prolonged services code +99354, thanks to this provider-related revision: Old way: +99354 -- Prolonged physician service in the office or other outpatient setting requiring direct (face-to-face) patient contact beyond the usual service; first hour [List separately in addition to code for office or other outpatient Evaluation and Management [...]