Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Version 7.3 of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) has been released on behalf of CMS by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Version 7.3 replaces all previous versions of CCI and will remain in effect from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2001.
 
Like version 7.2, the latest CCI contains relatively few changes: Over 450 new bundles have been added, and no code combinations have been deleted. The majority of revisions affect the anesthesia (00100-01999) and surgery (10040-69990) portions of CPT. Changes specific to neurology are minimal.
 
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) codes
  70544 head; without contrast material(s)
  70545 with contrast material(s)
  70546 without contrast materials(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences
  70547 neck; without contrast material(s)
  70548 with contrast material(s)
  70549 without contrast material(s), followed
   by contrast material(s) and further sequences

now include reconstruction of computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or other tomographic modality (76375). The edit includes a superscript modifier of 1, indicating that modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) may be used to override the edits if the MRA and reconstruction were performed on separate anatomical areas.
 
Infusion and diagnostic injection codes 90780-90788 and eight-channel electroencephalographic monitoring code 95950 are now bundled to a host of anesthesia codes, including 00537, 00550, 00563, 00566, 00635, 01112, 01215, 01951 and 01952. These edits include a superscript indicator of 0 and therefore may not be unbundled by any modifier or paid separately under any circumstances.
 
Providers are expected to observe CCI bundles for Medicare payers beginning on the effective date for each version. Although private payers are not bound to observe CCI edits, many do, either in whole or in part. Check with individual payers before billing.
 
Note: The CCI is available by subscription from the NTIS in print or as a CD-ROM in searchable (.pdf) format. Contact NTIS for more information: 1-800-363-2068 or http://www.ntis.gov/products/hcfa.htm.