Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: We have a gynecological oncologist on staff who does paracentesis in the office. I bill using 49080, but have been told I can charge for the paracentesis tray and suction bottles as well. How should I do this?

Illinois Subscriber  
Answer: The trays and supplies are typically included in a normal procedure. If your physician does something that exceeds normal, you could bill for the supplies and tray with HCPCS A4550 (surgical trays) and A4649 (surgical supply; miscellaneous). But these are only billable if he uses extra supplies above and beyond those typically included with the procedure.
 
For payers that do not accept the alphanumeric HCPCS codes, you can bill for the supplies with 99070 (supplies and materials [except spectacles], provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered [list drugs, trays, supplies, or materials provided]) and list each item with its acquisition cost.