General Surgery Coding Alert
V Codes Make Documenting BMI a Snap
Beginning Oct. 1, you'll be able to report body mass index (BMI) using 18 new ICD-9 codes. This information will be especially useful for patients who might be candidates for gastric bypass. To make your task easier, copy this list and keep it in an easy-to-reference location.
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 [...]
