Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
Cerclage Removal Under Anesthesia
Wisconsin Subscriber
Answer: When the ob-gyn places the cerclage (59320, Cerclage of cervix, during pregnancy; vaginal), most carriers assume the removal is an integral part of the procedure because the physician must eliminate the cerclage prior to delivery. Consequently, they generally won't reimburse for cerclage removal performed in the office.
On the other hand, if the ob-gyn performs the removal using a regional block or general anesthesia, you should report 59871 (Removal of cerclage suture under anesthesia [other than local]). Keep in mind, however, that some payers will not pay for the suture removal unless the documentation shows that the removal was difficult and not simply cutting the sutures, even when done under a regional block.
Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
- Are You Using Cytopathology Codes for Reporting Pap Smears in the Office?
There are better choices that won't get you in trouble
If you're tempted to report 88141 [...] - Don't Let Repeat Pap Smear Payment Slip Through Your Fingers
" The wrong diagnosis code could cost you $38 per patient
If [...] - 2 Easy Steps Will Get You Paid For Initial Infertility Visits
Avoid the infertility coding trap by going beyond 628.9
If you're offering infertility treatments for your [...] - You Be The Coder:
Cerclage Removal Under Anesthesia
Question: If an ob-gyn places a cervical cerclage during pregnancy, how can we code the [...] - Vaginal Cuff Repair Coding Doesn't Have to Be Frustrating
Ask 1 question to get the code you need
To select the [...] - Reader Question:
First Ob Visit Depends on How Patient Finds Out
Question: How should I report the initial ob visit and preventive exam during the same [...] - Reader Question:
Reporting 760.76 for Mother Is OK
Question: Which diagnosis code can we use for a pregnant patient who was exposed to [...] - Reader Question:
E/M an Option for Surgical Follow-Up - Reader Question:
Ob/Prenatal Classes Likely Included in Global
Question: Our clinic is considering offering ob/prenatal education classes. Can we bill outside the global [...] - Reader Question:
Assign Diagnosis Based on Reason for Visit
Question: We always perform a pregnancy test before we give a patient a Depo-Provera injection. [...] - Get ABNs, or Risk Picking Up Patient Tabs
Without ABNs, unpaid Medicare bills may become your problem
If you aren't obtaining advance beneficiary notices [...] - ABNs:
What to Change, What to Leave Alone
Got an itch to make a switch on an ABN? Proceed with caution
When it comes [...] - You Be The Expert:
ABNs and Uncovered Medicare Services
Question: Our office obtains advance beneficiary notices each time there is some doubt about whether [...] - Reader Question:
Follow the CMS Definition of 'Deliver'
Question: Since the purpose of an ABN is to inform the patient about a service, [...]
