Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Your carrier-supply pay hinges on using Q, not J, code.  When coding for Avonex injections, you'll leave money on the table unless you get the allowed combo of administration, supply, E/M, and ICD-9 codes.  Capture all ethically allowed payments with these important steps:  Step 1: Apply Chemotherapy Code for Admin  "Avonex is now being recognized as the biologic it is," says Anne M. Dunne, RN, MBA, MSCN,  Senior Vice President, Clinical Service Development, National Medical Management Services in Port Washington, NY. Coding for Avonex administration is now similar to that of chemotherapy agents. "This should result in greater payment for the administration of the drug," she says.  Since Avonex meets the criteria for a complex biologic agent look to administration codes 96401-+96417, which  are for the injection and IV infusion of chemotherapeutic, other highly complex drugs, or complex biologic agents. Avonex is typically administered into a muscle (intramuscular). Therefore, code [...]