Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Code Scope Based on Exam or Entry Site?
Published on Thu May 28, 2009
Question: A patient presented for a larynx examination to see how shes responding to treatment, but the oncologist inserted the scope through the nose. Should I report a nasopharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy? Oregon Subscriber Answer: If the oncologist documented examining the larynx, you should report a laryngoscopy (31575,Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic). Reason: The anatomic area examined is the key to choosing the proper code. You should not base your code on the insertion point.
Other Articles in this issue of
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- Case Study:
Tackle This Infusion Coding Service Successfully From Start to Finish
See what the authorities say about billing concurrent saline -- CPT and HCPCS. Six hours of [...] - Put 'Push' Questions Behind You
Dont get stuck in the trap of assuming you can code a push only if [...] - 250 cc D5W? Watch Your Step
Several payers have guidelines stating you should not report fluids unless you meet specific requirements. [...] - Keep Track of Services Included in Infusion
You should not report the following separately if performed to facilitate a therapeutic/diagnostic infusion or [...] - 203.x0:
Shine the Spotlight on Multiple Myeloma ICD-9 Coding
Simplify your coding choices when documentation doesnt go into specifics. ICD-9 2009 broadened your coding [...] - Master CMS Observation Rules to Breathe Easy at Audit Time
Count the hours for single-day stays, or beware the consequences. Physicians are admitting more patients [...] - You Be the Coder:
Code Scope Based on Exam or Entry Site?
Question: A patient presented for a larynx examination to see how shes responding to treatment, [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Multiple Codes Cover Port-a-Cath Malfunction
Question: Which diagnosis code is appropriate for malfunctioning of a Port-a-Cath? Is it a V [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Treat 2 Areas, Double Neoplasm Dx
Question: Which diagnosis codes should I report when a patient presents for radiation therapy treating [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Follow 'Quality' Examples for HPI
Question: Can we use the patients diagnosis as quality under HPI? Maryland Subscriber Answer: No. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
New to Blood Draw Coding? Read This
Question: We normally draw a patients blood and do a CBC in our office. Recently [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Link Lactated Ringer's to J7120
Question: Which HCPCS code should I report for a lactate ringer bag? Louisiana Subscriber Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Supply May Be Key to Transfusion Payment
Question: Should I report 36430 twice if we supply both packed red blood cells and [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 77427 -- Not E/M -- for Weekly Check
Question: Ive just started coding radiation oncology and heard the oncologist can bill an E/M [...] - Clarification:
Expand Your Med Options With Torisel, Treanda Codes in Oncology and Hematology Coding Alert, Vol. [...]
View All
