Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Your documentation determines the 'unusuality' of the situation.Payoff: The Medicare rate for dysphagia treatment is about $102 (based on RVU of 2.77 and a conversion factor of $36.8729). The treatment plan for dysphagia can include further diagnostic testing, diet/liquid modifications, oral motor exercises, deep pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulation (DPNS), or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).3. Support Treatment Code with DPNS TherapySince treatment for pharyngeal dysphagia (787.23) could  involve DPNS therapy (direct neuromuscular stimulation to the pharyngeal musculature), you should consider reporting DPNS alongside the treatment procedure without worrying that you won't get paid for it.There is a catch, however. You can bill DPNS only in additionto a covered care service (e.g., 92526). DPNS therapy is noncovered because its efficacy has not been clearly demonstrated as reasonable and necessary. Its use alongside a proper treatment code will not be cause for any denial. Case-to-case TENS Treatment: Ensure Medical Necessity First A physician may [...]