Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Family Getting 2005 Facelift
Experts predict easier reporting after transition period When your oncologist performs ra... Read more
Experts predict easier reporting after transition period When your oncologist performs ra... Read more
Check NPP Qualifications Before Reporting Incident-To
Providers must have a valid Medicare PINWhen one of your office's nonphysician practitione... Read more
Providers must have a valid Medicare PINWhen one of your office's nonphysician practitione... Read more
Incident-To in the News:
CMS Loosens Physician Rules
Supervising physician can fill in for the plan authorOncology offices now have more freedo... Read more
CMS Loosens Physician Rules
Supervising physician can fill in for the plan authorOncology offices now have more freedo... Read more
Reader Question:
Biopsy + Aspiration Does Not Equal Multiple Procedures
Question: If an oncologist performs a bone marrow aspiration and a biopsy on the same pati... Read more
Biopsy + Aspiration Does Not Equal Multiple Procedures
Question: If an oncologist performs a bone marrow aspiration and a biopsy on the same pati... Read more
Reader Question:
Chemo Patients Get 1 V Code, 1 Dx Code on Claim
Question: One of our physicians recently treated a trachea cancer patient with chemotherap... Read more
Chemo Patients Get 1 V Code, 1 Dx Code on Claim
Question: One of our physicians recently treated a trachea cancer patient with chemotherap... Read more
Reader Question:
E/M Reimbursement Possible With Some Surgeries
Question: A new patient with anal cancer reported to the office for a diagnostic sigmoidos... Read more
E/M Reimbursement Possible With Some Surgeries
Question: A new patient with anal cancer reported to the office for a diagnostic sigmoidos... Read more
Reader Question:
Blood Component Drives Apheresis Claims
Question: Our physician recently began performing apheresis on patients, and we want to ma... Read more
Blood Component Drives Apheresis Claims
Question: Our physician recently began performing apheresis on patients, and we want to ma... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Extra Radiation Fractions
Question: One of our established patients recently began radiation treatments for skin can... Read more
Reporting Extra Radiation Fractions
Question: One of our established patients recently began radiation treatments for skin can... Read more
Injection Code Smarts Sharpen Chemo Claims
Nonchemo injections have their own code set When checking a procedure report, you should ... Read more
Nonchemo injections have their own code set When checking a procedure report, you should ... Read more
No Chemo Drugs? No Chemo Injection Code
1 injection code is the norm on therapeutic shots So you've decided that the service repr... Read more
1 injection code is the norm on therapeutic shots So you've decided that the service repr... Read more
News You Can Use:
New Imaging Codes Coming in CPT 2005
PET scan family getting an updateSources indicate that CPT will add several codes to its 2... Read more
New Imaging Codes Coming in CPT 2005
PET scan family getting an updateSources indicate that CPT will add several codes to its 2... Read more
Stop Modifier -25 Headaches Before They Start
Documentation must prove a separate E/M serviceIf your oncologist takes a bone marrow biop... Read more
Documentation must prove a separate E/M serviceIf your oncologist takes a bone marrow biop... Read more
Clarification:
Pegfilgrastim and Filgrastim
In the October 2004 Oncology Coding Alert, the article "News You Can Use: How to Make the ... Read more
Pegfilgrastim and Filgrastim
In the October 2004 Oncology Coding Alert, the article "News You Can Use: How to Make the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Think Medicare May Not Pay? Get an ABN
Question: What exactly is an advance beneficiary notice (ABN), and how do they relate to o... Read more
Think Medicare May Not Pay? Get an ABN
Question: What exactly is an advance beneficiary notice (ABN), and how do they relate to o... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Modifier -32, but Don't Expect More Money
Question: Our oncologist spends a lot of time on confirmatory consultations that insurers ... Read more
Append Modifier -32, but Don't Expect More Money
Question: Our oncologist spends a lot of time on confirmatory consultations that insurers ... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Careful When Billing After-Hours Care
Question: Our normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Occasi... Read more
Be Careful When Billing After-Hours Care
Question: Our normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Occasi... Read more
Reader Question:
If Diagnosis Is Already Known, Don't Report E/M Service
Question: We have a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia who undergoes regular chemothera... Read more
If Diagnosis Is Already Known, Don't Report E/M Service
Question: We have a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia who undergoes regular chemothera... Read more
You Be the Coder:
When Basic Dosimetry Gets Special
Question: We think our oncologist may have performed special dosimetry on a patient recent... Read more
When Basic Dosimetry Gets Special
Question: We think our oncologist may have performed special dosimetry on a patient recent... Read more
Chemotherapy Administration:
Your Top-3 Coding Problems Solved
Revealed: Why using modifier -59 can mean the difference between payment and denialWith yo... Read more
Your Top-3 Coding Problems Solved
Revealed: Why using modifier -59 can mean the difference between payment and denialWith yo... Read more
How's Your Drug Administration Coding? Test Yourself
If you think coding chemo is a snap, you might be in for a surpriseThe next time your onco... Read more
If you think coding chemo is a snap, you might be in for a surpriseThe next time your onco... Read more
News You Can Use:
How to Make the Best of CMS' Oncology Pay Cuts
Scoop: Here's the latest on what these changes mean for your officeThe upcoming reimbursem... Read more
How to Make the Best of CMS' Oncology Pay Cuts
Scoop: Here's the latest on what these changes mean for your officeThe upcoming reimbursem... Read more
Real-Life Solutions:
What You Need to Know to Report Chemo Planning
Hint: E/M codes help get you the pay you deserveDo you want to report the oncologist's che... Read more
What You Need to Know to Report Chemo Planning
Hint: E/M codes help get you the pay you deserveDo you want to report the oncologist's che... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Between G0001 and Lab Code
Question: An office staff member draws a Medicare patient's blood and performs a complete ... Read more
Choose Between G0001 and Lab Code
Question: An office staff member draws a Medicare patient's blood and performs a complete ... Read more
Reader Question:
Go Beyond Dosimetry Limits With Documentation
Question: How many dosimetry calculations (77300) can we report a day? California Subscrib... Read more
Go Beyond Dosimetry Limits With Documentation
Question: How many dosimetry calculations (77300) can we report a day? California Subscrib... Read more
Reader Question:
Why You Should Keep Modifier -58 Handy
Question: All of a sudden our radiation oncology department is receiving denials for multi... Read more
Why You Should Keep Modifier -58 Handy
Question: All of a sudden our radiation oncology department is receiving denials for multi... Read more
Reader Question:
Find Out What Separates 84153 From G0103
Question: Are G0103 and 84153 interchangeable for PSA (prostate specific antigen) screenin... Read more
Find Out What Separates 84153 From G0103
Question: Are G0103 and 84153 interchangeable for PSA (prostate specific antigen) screenin... Read more
Reader Question:
Understand CPO Certification Requirements
Question: In your May Oncology Coding Alert, you stated that you may assign certification ... Read more
Understand CPO Certification Requirements
Question: In your May Oncology Coding Alert, you stated that you may assign certification ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
2 Isodose Plans In 1 Day
Question: We want to charge for two complex isodose plans (77315) for two separate areas o... Read more
2 Isodose Plans In 1 Day
Question: We want to charge for two complex isodose plans (77315) for two separate areas o... Read more
Say Goodbye to NCCI's 78804/78803 Bundle
Welcome deletion could bring your office thousands in additional revenueThe radiation onco... Read more
Welcome deletion could bring your office thousands in additional revenueThe radiation onco... Read more
Get the Lowdown on the 78804 Pay Increase
CMS corrects payment error As of July 1, when you report 78804 for your radiation oncolog... Read more
CMS corrects payment error As of July 1, when you report 78804 for your radiation oncolog... Read more
Here's Why NCCI Bundles G0338-G0340 With Radiation Treatment Codes
But you can use modifiers to separate these oncology-related edits Radiation oncology cod... Read more
But you can use modifiers to separate these oncology-related edits Radiation oncology cod... Read more
3 Expert Tips to Improve Unlisted-Procedure Coding
Why your practice must recommend an appropriate feeJust because the oncologist administere... Read more
Why your practice must recommend an appropriate feeJust because the oncologist administere... Read more
Save Time and Hassle When You Code Unlisted Procedures
Use this quick tip to keep from reinventing the wheelMedical technologies often evolv... Read more
Use this quick tip to keep from reinventing the wheelMedical technologies often evolv... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
New Code Requires Physician's Service
Question: How and when should we report new code 95991?Arkansas SubscriberAnswer: When the... Read more
New Code Requires Physician's Service
Question: How and when should we report new code 95991?Arkansas SubscriberAnswer: When the... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Keep Your Chemo, Therapeutic Infusions Straight
Question: Because Florida Medicaid does not reimburse for 90784, should I use 96410 instea... Read more
Keep Your Chemo, Therapeutic Infusions Straight
Question: Because Florida Medicaid does not reimburse for 90784, should I use 96410 instea... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Why You Can't Always Expect Payment for Decadron
Question: Medicare has been denying our therapeutic push claims (90784). We use the drug D... Read more
Why You Can't Always Expect Payment for Decadron
Question: Medicare has been denying our therapeutic push claims (90784). We use the drug D... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Here's What New V Codes Mean for You
Question: I understand that CMS introduced several new V codes for 2004-2005. What do thes... Read more
Here's What New V Codes Mean for You
Question: I understand that CMS introduced several new V codes for 2004-2005. What do thes... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Time Is Crucial to Prolonged Services Documentation
Question: Denials for prolonged services plague my office. Do you have any advice on how b... Read more
Time Is Crucial to Prolonged Services Documentation
Question: Denials for prolonged services plague my office. Do you have any advice on how b... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Observation With Chemotherapy
Question: How should I report observation care codes if my physician admits a patient for ... Read more
Observation With Chemotherapy
Question: How should I report observation care codes if my physician admits a patient for ... Read more
Tired of Payers Denying Your Faslodex Claims? Try Injection Code 90782
Why assigning chemo codes 96400-96459 isn't always your best bet You can strengthen your ... Read more
Why assigning chemo codes 96400-96459 isn't always your best bet You can strengthen your ... Read more
4 PET Tips Every Radiation Oncology Coder Should Know
Get the most out of initial and restaging scans When you're reporting positron em... Read more
Get the most out of initial and restaging scans When you're reporting positron em... Read more
Get the Lowdown on How to Justify PET Scan Charges
Reporting the appropriate cancer code makes all the difference To ensure proper ICD-9 cod... Read more
Reporting the appropriate cancer code makes all the difference To ensure proper ICD-9 cod... Read more
Nurse Visits:
Meet 3 Criteria for Getting 99211 Paid
Solid documentation is more important than you may think Although many carriers no longer... Read more
Meet 3 Criteria for Getting 99211 Paid
Solid documentation is more important than you may think Although many carriers no longer... Read more
Reader Question:
Neoplasm's Behavior Determines Treatment
Question: I'm new to oncology and was wondering if you would explain what oncologists me... Read more
Neoplasm's Behavior Determines Treatment
Question: I'm new to oncology and was wondering if you would explain what oncologists me... Read more
Reader Question:
Code 76370 Calls for Technical Charges
Question: What documentation should we include when reporting CT field placement code 76... Read more
Code 76370 Calls for Technical Charges
Question: What documentation should we include when reporting CT field placement code 76... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid -Q5 and -Q6 When Using Group PINs
Question: We have two oncologists in our multi-specialty group of 65 doctors. When one o... Read more
Avoid -Q5 and -Q6 When Using Group PINs
Question: We have two oncologists in our multi-specialty group of 65 doctors. When one o... Read more
Reader Question:
Check ICD-9 Code for 97802 Bill to Medicare
Question: How should we code for a registered dietitian who performs a consultation and ... Read more
Check ICD-9 Code for 97802 Bill to Medicare
Question: How should we code for a registered dietitian who performs a consultation and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Correct Anemia Code Isn't Always the Answer
Question: We're getting denials for our iron injection claims. We're using diagnosis cod... Read more
Correct Anemia Code Isn't Always the Answer
Question: We're getting denials for our iron injection claims. We're using diagnosis cod... Read more
Reader Question:
Dig Out 36589 Payment Based on Catheter Type
Question: Our oncologist has recently begun performing catheter removals. Do you have an... Read more
Dig Out 36589 Payment Based on Catheter Type
Question: Our oncologist has recently begun performing catheter removals. Do you have an... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Special Dosimetry
Question: We heard that Medicare pays for 77331 only once per treatment. But we thought ... Read more
Special Dosimetry
Question: We heard that Medicare pays for 77331 only once per treatment. But we thought ... Read more
4 Tips Strengthen Your 79030, 79035 Claims
The key is knowing the thyroid cancer's site If you're unclear on when to report radiopha... Read more
The key is knowing the thyroid cancer's site If you're unclear on when to report radiopha... Read more
Reporting ECGs:
Say Hello to $28 a Pop for 93000
Understanding modifiers, professional services can prevent denials If your oncologist is ... Read more
Say Hello to $28 a Pop for 93000
Understanding modifiers, professional services can prevent denials If your oncologist is ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Here's How to Report 2 New Chemo Drugs
Assigning J9999 makes all the difference If you want to get paid for giving patients rece... Read more
Here's How to Report 2 New Chemo Drugs
Assigning J9999 makes all the difference If you want to get paid for giving patients rece... Read more
Avoid These Phone-Reporting Myths - and Save $50 a Visit
Use time, service type and care complexity to recoup pay Is your oncology practice not re... Read more
Use time, service type and care complexity to recoup pay Is your oncology practice not re... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -53 = Extenuating Circumstances
Question: I administered a digital mammogram to a patient, but she could not tolerate the ... Read more
Modifier -53 = Extenuating Circumstances
Question: I administered a digital mammogram to a patient, but she could not tolerate the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider 77301 for IMRT Boosts
Question: We treated a patient with conventional radiation therapy (77414) and then used a... Read more
Consider 77301 for IMRT Boosts
Question: We treated a patient with conventional radiation therapy (77414) and then used a... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Specific With Breast Cancer, History Coding
Question: In 1987, we treated a patient's breast cancer with lumpectomy and radiation, but... Read more
Get Specific With Breast Cancer, History Coding
Question: In 1987, we treated a patient's breast cancer with lumpectomy and radiation, but... Read more
Reader Question:
Patient's Request Means Confirmatory Consult
Question: To bill confirmatory consultations, I thought all I needed was a patient's reque... Read more
Patient's Request Means Confirmatory Consult
Question: To bill confirmatory consultations, I thought all I needed was a patient's reque... Read more
Reader Question:
Reciprocal Billing Requires -Q5
Question: What's the difference between modifiers -GV and -Q5?New Orleans Subscriber Answ... Read more
Reciprocal Billing Requires -Q5
Question: What's the difference between modifiers -GV and -Q5?New Orleans Subscriber Answ... Read more
The $540 Solution:
Report Zevalin Therapy With Confidence by Using 78804 and 79403
Understand the different codes for diagnostic and therapeutic services When your radiati... Read more
Report Zevalin Therapy With Confidence by Using 78804 and 79403
Understand the different codes for diagnostic and therapeutic services When your radiati... Read more
Learn Your Carrier's Policies or Expect Denials for Zevalin Therapy
Why you may need to report deleted codes Has your payer denied your Zevalin therapy clai... Read more
Why you may need to report deleted codes Has your payer denied your Zevalin therapy clai... Read more
Is the Oncologist on Vacation? Use Modifiers -Q5 and -Q6
Here's how to report stand-in services and get paid While the oncologist takes summer va... Read more
Here's how to report stand-in services and get paid While the oncologist takes summer va... Read more
3 Tips Strengthen Your Subsequent Care Claims
Why you may be losing $2,400 a year on 99231 If you're reporting 99231 for all of your on... Read more
Why you may be losing $2,400 a year on 99231 If you're reporting 99231 for all of your on... Read more
Correction:
Modifier -GB and Pump Refills
In the April 2004 Oncology Coding Alert, the article "Don't Shortchange Your Oncology Offi... Read more
Modifier -GB and Pump Refills
In the April 2004 Oncology Coding Alert, the article "Don't Shortchange Your Oncology Offi... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Let CMS Clarify Your E/M, Chemo Confusion
Question: I'm confused by all the coding changes in oncology this year. Is it true that ... Read more
Let CMS Clarify Your E/M, Chemo Confusion
Question: I'm confused by all the coding changes in oncology this year. Is it true that ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Meet Component Challenges for Home Visits
Question: How should we report home visits? New Jersey Subscriber Answer: You should r... Read more
Meet Component Challenges for Home Visits
Question: How should we report home visits? New Jersey Subscriber Answer: You should r... Read more
READER QUESTION:
3 or More Radiation Fractions Means 77427
Question: How should our oncology practice code for more than five fractions in a radiat... Read more
3 or More Radiation Fractions Means 77427
Question: How should our oncology practice code for more than five fractions in a radiat... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get Unrelated E/M Services Paid With Modifier -24
Question: A gynecologic oncologist who also performs chemotherapy administration sees a ... Read more
Get Unrelated E/M Services Paid With Modifier -24
Question: A gynecologic oncologist who also performs chemotherapy administration sees a ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Why 90782 Works for Zoladex Administration
Question: An answer to a reader question in the May 2004 Oncology Coding Alert advised c... Read more
Why 90782 Works for Zoladex Administration
Question: An answer to a reader question in the May 2004 Oncology Coding Alert advised c... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Colon Cancer Screening
Question: The physician gave a patient a colonoscopy. The patient has a family history o... Read more
Colon Cancer Screening
Question: The physician gave a patient a colonoscopy. The patient has a family history o... Read more
Forfeiting $220 in Bone Marrow Biopsy Payments:
Are You at Risk?
Know Medicare's biopsy and aspiration bundling rulesTo separately report bone marrow biops... Read more
Are You at Risk?
Know Medicare's biopsy and aspiration bundling rulesTo separately report bone marrow biops... Read more
Earn $200 for Same-Day Multiple Radiation Treatments
Know CMS' separate-session guidelines for correct codingYour oncologist performed multiple... Read more
Know CMS' separate-session guidelines for correct codingYour oncologist performed multiple... Read more
Test Your Radiation Treatment Coding Knowledge
Examples fine-tune your claimsUse this short quiz to see if you are up to speed on reporti... Read more
Examples fine-tune your claimsUse this short quiz to see if you are up to speed on reporti... Read more
Here's How to Make $140 for Your Office's X-Ray Services
Tip: Increase the E/M level for ordering of reportWhen the oncologist order x-rays, the co... Read more
Tip: Increase the E/M level for ordering of reportWhen the oncologist order x-rays, the co... Read more
3 Tips Recoup Your Pay for Hospice Oversight Services
Reporting G0182 could earn you $135 a claimAre you allowing insurers to undervalue your on... Read more
Reporting G0182 could earn you $135 a claimAre you allowing insurers to undervalue your on... Read more
Reader Question:
Take Your Pick: 90780 or 90784?
Question: The oncologist provides a pre-chemo drug administration for nausea and vomiting.... Read more
Take Your Pick: 90780 or 90784?
Question: The oncologist provides a pre-chemo drug administration for nausea and vomiting.... Read more
Reader Question:
No More Starred Procedures Means More Modifiers
Question: What's the practical significance of losing the starred designation in CPT 2004?... Read more
No More Starred Procedures Means More Modifiers
Question: What's the practical significance of losing the starred designation in CPT 2004?... Read more
Reader Question:
Give Your Prolonged Services a Break
Question: Our oncologist wants to report 99214 in addition to prolonged service codes for ... Read more
Give Your Prolonged Services a Break
Question: Our oncologist wants to report 99214 in addition to prolonged service codes for ... Read more
Reader Question:
If Doctor Furnishes Drug, Use 90782
Question: If a patient presents with his own Zoladex (J9202), what should we use for the a... Read more
If Doctor Furnishes Drug, Use 90782
Question: If a patient presents with his own Zoladex (J9202), what should we use for the a... Read more
Reader question:
93000 Covers All ECG Services
Question: How should we report the technical and professional components of electrocardiog... Read more
93000 Covers All ECG Services
Question: How should we report the technical and professional components of electrocardiog... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Practice Sends Chemo Pump Home
Question: We send pumps home with some of our patients and need to know how to code for th... Read more
Practice Sends Chemo Pump Home
Question: We send pumps home with some of our patients and need to know how to code for th... Read more
Will the 96400-96542 Payment Increases Help Your Office?
Medicare takes up some slack with administration codes Although Medicare has reduced paym... Read more
Medicare takes up some slack with administration codes Although Medicare has reduced paym... Read more
Report Therapeutic Infusion Codes With Confidence
Get what you deserve with 90780-90788 Medicare didn't target only chemotherapy codes for ... Read more
Get what you deserve with 90780-90788 Medicare didn't target only chemotherapy codes for ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Medicare Drug Rates Decrease J Code Reimbursement
Find out what 85 percent AWP means for your practice Your oncologist's chemotherapy drug ... Read more
Medicare Drug Rates Decrease J Code Reimbursement
Find out what 85 percent AWP means for your practice Your oncologist's chemotherapy drug ... Read more
Watch Out:
You Can't Report 99211 and 96408 to Medicare ...
... but you may be able to support a higher-level E/M - and get paid The 2004 Medicare Ph... Read more
You Can't Report 99211 and 96408 to Medicare ...
... but you may be able to support a higher-level E/M - and get paid The 2004 Medicare Ph... Read more
Reporting Chemotherapy:
Assign 96408 per Drug
Improve pay with Medicare's new pushtechnique guidelines Does your oncologist provide mul... Read more
Assign 96408 per Drug
Improve pay with Medicare's new pushtechnique guidelines Does your oncologist provide mul... Read more
Reader Question:
5-Year Rule Doesn't Apply to ICD-9 Coding
Question: When should we replace a cancer diagnosis code with a "history of cancer" diagno... Read more
5-Year Rule Doesn't Apply to ICD-9 Coding
Question: When should we replace a cancer diagnosis code with a "history of cancer" diagno... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 77427 for IMRT Professional Services
Question: How should we report the professional component of an IMRT?Georgia Subscriber A... Read more
Use 77427 for IMRT Professional Services
Question: How should we report the professional component of an IMRT?Georgia Subscriber A... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick Code Based on Largest Tumor
Question: My oncologist transurethrally resected several malignant bladder lesions of vary... Read more
Pick Code Based on Largest Tumor
Question: My oncologist transurethrally resected several malignant bladder lesions of vary... Read more
Reader Question:
Blue Cross Blue Shield Requires S Codes
Question: What are S codes and when should we report them?Missouri Subscriber Answer: HCP... Read more
Blue Cross Blue Shield Requires S Codes
Question: What are S codes and when should we report them?Missouri Subscriber Answer: HCP... Read more
Reader Question:
99291 Pays More Than 99215
Question: Are there any advantages to choosing critical care codes rather than high-paying... Read more
99291 Pays More Than 99215
Question: Are there any advantages to choosing critical care codes rather than high-paying... Read more
Reader Question:
Assign J0880 for Non-ESRD
Question: What tips do you have for reporting J0880?Michigan Subscriber Answer: Medicare ... Read more
Assign J0880 for Non-ESRD
Question: What tips do you have for reporting J0880?Michigan Subscriber Answer: Medicare ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Teaching Physician Rules
Question: Which modifiers should I use when reporting services and procedures under the te... Read more
Teaching Physician Rules
Question: Which modifiers should I use when reporting services and procedures under the te... Read more
Don't Shortchange Your Oncology Office $152 on Pump Refills
Why you should never use 96530 for flushesTo get the full benefit of Medicare's recent inc... Read more
Why you should never use 96530 for flushesTo get the full benefit of Medicare's recent inc... Read more
2 Strategies That Debunk ICD-9 Coding Myths ...
... and one that could save your practiceDon't base your oncology diagnosis coding on myth... Read more
... and one that could save your practiceDon't base your oncology diagnosis coding on myth... Read more
Are You Forfeiting Hospital Observation Reimbursement?
Earn $70 when you use 99218Reporting established patient codes (99212-99215) when your phy... Read more
Earn $70 when you use 99218Reporting established patient codes (99212-99215) when your phy... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Scraps 90-Day Coding Grace Period
Update your charge sheets to prevent denialsYou will no longer have a 90-day grace period ... Read more
CMS Scraps 90-Day Coding Grace Period
Update your charge sheets to prevent denialsYou will no longer have a 90-day grace period ... Read more
Reader Question:
Bundled PFTs Cause Denials
Question: Medicare has denied our claims for pulmonary function tests that are part of the... Read more
Bundled PFTs Cause Denials
Question: Medicare has denied our claims for pulmonary function tests that are part of the... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch for Consult Time Lapses
Question: The oncologist submitted a report on a new consult to the requesting physician t... Read more
Watch for Consult Time Lapses
Question: The oncologist submitted a report on a new consult to the requesting physician t... Read more
Reader Question:
See Modifier -55, Think Postoperative Care
Question: Our oncologist recently took over the postoperative care of another surgeon's re... Read more
See Modifier -55, Think Postoperative Care
Question: Our oncologist recently took over the postoperative care of another surgeon's re... Read more
Reader Question:
Physician Must Supervise CPO Patients
Question: How should we report our oncologist's hospice services to Medicare?South Dakota ... Read more
Physician Must Supervise CPO Patients
Question: How should we report our oncologist's hospice services to Medicare?South Dakota ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use ABN for Male Mammogram Patients
Question: An oncologist ordered a screening mammogram for a male Medicare patient with a f... Read more
Use ABN for Male Mammogram Patients
Question: An oncologist ordered a screening mammogram for a male Medicare patient with a f... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Plans
Question: Our payer claims IMRT procedures are investigational. How can we prove otherwise... Read more
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Plans
Question: Our payer claims IMRT procedures are investigational. How can we prove otherwise... Read more
HCPCS 2004 Update:
Speed Up Reimbursement With New Chemotherapy Drug Codes
Get what you deserve with J9098, J9263 and J9395 If you thought you could use only the u... Read more
Speed Up Reimbursement With New Chemotherapy Drug Codes
Get what you deserve with J9098, J9263 and J9395 If you thought you could use only the u... Read more
HCPCS 2004 Update:
Don't Short-Change Your Office on J Code Dose Amounts
Follow these tips to correctly bill doses The key to reporting some of HCPCS 2004's new c... Read more
Don't Short-Change Your Office on J Code Dose Amounts
Follow these tips to correctly bill doses The key to reporting some of HCPCS 2004's new c... Read more
4 Strategies Improve Your Teaching Physician Coding
Experts clarify Medicare guidelines If you want to get your oncologist paid for E/M servi... Read more
Experts clarify Medicare guidelines If you want to get your oncologist paid for E/M servi... Read more
Get a Grip on Medical Notes for Teaching Physician Rules
Use these tips for surefire documentation Now that you know when you can report an E/M se... Read more
Use these tips for surefire documentation Now that you know when you can report an E/M se... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 85097 for Bone Smear Interpretations
Question: How should I report my oncologist's bone marrow interpretations?Georgia Subscrib... Read more
Use 85097 for Bone Smear Interpretations
Question: How should I report my oncologist's bone marrow interpretations?Georgia Subscrib... Read more
Reader Question:
Medicare Provides Free Access to NCCI Edits
Question: I heard that Medicare posted the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits... Read more
Medicare Provides Free Access to NCCI Edits
Question: I heard that Medicare posted the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to Use Modifier -25
Question: Insurers often deny our practice's claims when we attach modifier -25 to a code.... Read more
Know When to Use Modifier -25
Question: Insurers often deny our practice's claims when we attach modifier -25 to a code.... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick 238.4 to Justify Phlebotomy
Question: I've been linking the cancer's ICD-9 code to the oncologist's phlebotomy service... Read more
Pick 238.4 to Justify Phlebotomy
Question: I've been linking the cancer's ICD-9 code to the oncologist's phlebotomy service... Read more
Reader Question:
Ask Private Payers for a -59 Alternative
Question: One of our private payers uses the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edi... Read more
Ask Private Payers for a -59 Alternative
Question: One of our private payers uses the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edi... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Audits With 77280
Question: How should I report 77280?Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: Because payers often audi... Read more
Avoid Audits With 77280
Question: How should I report 77280?Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: Because payers often audi... Read more
Reader Question:
CPT Doesn't Help With Image Fusion
Question: Our physician wants to begin charging for image fusion. Which code should I use?... Read more
CPT Doesn't Help With Image Fusion
Question: Our physician wants to begin charging for image fusion. Which code should I use?... Read more
Reader Question:
Punch In a Simple Code for Biopsy
Question: I was working on a pathology report that referenced a "punch biopsy." What does ... Read more
Punch In a Simple Code for Biopsy
Question: I was working on a pathology report that referenced a "punch biopsy." What does ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
'Incident-To' Chemotherapy Administration
Question: Can our oncologist bill chemotherapy administration as an incident-to service? C... Read more
'Incident-To' Chemotherapy Administration
Question: Can our oncologist bill chemotherapy administration as an incident-to service? C... Read more
Get a Grip on CPT 2004's Radiation Therapy and Pump Refill Codes
Report 78804 for diagnostic localization procedures CPT 2004 offers radiation oncology co... Read more
Report 78804 for diagnostic localization procedures CPT 2004 offers radiation oncology co... Read more
News You Can Use:
Learn CPT 2004's New Oncology Codes and Revisions
Clip and save the following list to stay up-to-date on CPT 2004's oncology codes and descr... Read more
Learn CPT 2004's New Oncology Codes and Revisions
Clip and save the following list to stay up-to-date on CPT 2004's oncology codes and descr... Read more
Want to Improve Your Prostate Brachytherapy Coding?
Experts show you when to use 77778 and 77784 The next time your radiation oncologist perf... Read more
Experts show you when to use 77778 and 77784 The next time your radiation oncologist perf... Read more
News Brief:
NCCI 9.3 Bundles Basic and Special Dosimetry
The National Correct Coding Initiative, version 9.3, which took effect Oct. 1, will not ha... Read more
NCCI 9.3 Bundles Basic and Special Dosimetry
The National Correct Coding Initiative, version 9.3, which took effect Oct. 1, will not ha... Read more
Reader Question:
Track E/M Components Using New CPT Section
Question: A colleague told me that CPT 2004 includes a new code category. What is it and h... Read more
Track E/M Components Using New CPT Section
Question: A colleague told me that CPT 2004 includes a new code category. What is it and h... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Follow-Up Exam for Bladder Tumors
Question: The oncologist saw a patient for a follow-up exam regarding bladder tumors. The ... Read more
Report Follow-Up Exam for Bladder Tumors
Question: The oncologist saw a patient for a follow-up exam regarding bladder tumors. The ... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill E/M for Port-a-Cath Visit
Question: We recently started billing for a hematology/oncology group and received our fir... Read more
Bill E/M for Port-a-Cath Visit
Question: We recently started billing for a hematology/oncology group and received our fir... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember IMRT Bundling Rules
Question: Should we bill follow-up visits immediately following intensity-modulated radiat... Read more
Remember IMRT Bundling Rules
Question: Should we bill follow-up visits immediately following intensity-modulated radiat... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting 90782 Multiple Times
Question: Can I report 90782 for injection administration multiple times with multiple inj... Read more
Reporting 90782 Multiple Times
Question: Can I report 90782 for injection administration multiple times with multiple inj... Read more