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General Surgery Coding Alert

V Codes Make Documenting BMI a Snap

Published on Mon Jul 04, 2005

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Other Articles in this issue of

General Surgery Coding Alert

4 Rules to Follow to Make the Best of Breast Procedures
'Lumpectomy' is a general term, so proceed with caution when choosing excision/mastectomy codes During breast [...]

Don't Confuse Excision and Biopsy
Keep in mind that a tissue biopsy as described by 19100-19103 is distinct from excision [...]

Sentinel Node Biopsy and Lymphadenectomy Differ
More and more frequently, surgeons are forgoing lymph node excision (38745 by itself or 19162 [...]

Coming This October:
ICD-9 Takes Gastric Bypass Seriously
More complete diagnoses could open the door to wider coverage Surgeons performing gastric bypass operations [...]

V Codes Make Documenting BMI a Snap
Keep this list handy for easy reference

Beginning Oct. 1, you'll be able to report body [...]

Prepare Now for Upcoming ICD-9 Revisions
V codes provide greater specificity for family and personal history of disease The May 4 [...]

Coding Update:
Refined Fee Schedule Eases, Expands Billing Opportunities
Revisions to the Physician fee schedule Database will have an immediate effect on how [...]

Reader Questions:
Separate Incision May Allow for Hernia Reimbursement
Question: The surgeon performed diagnostic laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions, followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, needle [...]

Reader Questions:
Learn Key Phrases for Wound Code
Question: The physician documented a 2.2-cm superficial wound on the forearm that primarily involved the [...]

You Be the Coder:
What Makes Obesity 'Morbid'?
Question: What distinguishes "obesity" from "morbid obesity"? Which of these diagnoses should I use for [...]

Reader Questions:
Scope Type Affects Endoscopy Coding
Question: Last week, a patient presented with diarrhea and anemia. The surgeon performed an endoscopy [...]

Reader Questions:
Don't Get Burned With Simple Burn Coding
Question: A patient came in with first- and second-degree burns on her hand. The surgeon [...]

Reader Questions:
Educational Materials Are a Courtesy
Question: Is there a way we can offset the cost of educational materials, pamphlets, etc., [...]

Reader Questions:
36415 Now Describes Venipuncture
Question: How should I report routine venipuncture to Medicare?

California Subscriber
Answer: You should report 36415 [...]

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