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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Overcome the Transcranial Doppler Testing Reimbursement Challenge

Published on Sat Mar 14, 2009

TCD is misunderstood by some payers -- help clear the fog. Proving medical necessity for transcranial Doppler testing can be tough, but there are some practice-proven strategies that can help you win the day. Transcranial Doppler testing (TCD) is a noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound evaluation of the intracranial arteries in the head. Neurologists use it to determine if there is an occlusion or stenosis of an artery that can result in cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and brain hemorrhages, and as a screening study for children with sickle cell anemia. Despite its importance for helping predict future patient well-being, weak or incomplete documentation of a TCD can result in little or no reimbursement. Learn how to avoid any missteps when you code TCD. Make a Case for TCD Necessity Transcranial Doppler studies help diagnose patients who have or may have stenosis, emboli, and hemorrhage by measuring the blood flow through the brain. [...]
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