Otolaryngology Coding Alert
NEWS BRIEF ~ Look Beyond CMS Web Site for NPI Applications
CMS removed the NPI PDF from its Web site, but you have other options This list makes obtaining a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number an easy process by putting the application information you need at your fingertips.
Forget this site: CMS removed one place where you were able to go to find an application. As of Sept. 20, the PDF version of the NPI application is no longer available for download on the CMS forms Web site, and there will not be a link to that form from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) page.
Try these alternatives: You can still apply for NPI numbers in one of three ways, CMS says:
1. The Web-based NPI application process. Log on to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System and apply at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do.
2. Have an electronic file interchange organization (EFIO) submit application data on your practice's behalf.
3. Obtain a copy of the paper NPI Application/Update Form and mail the completed, signed application to the NPI Enumerator in Fargo, N.D. The form is now available only if you request it through the NPI Enumerator. You can contact the NPI Enumerator by phone at (800) 465-3203; by mail at PO Box 6059, Fargo, ND 58108-6059; or by e-mail at customerservice@npienumerator.com.
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Tell if You're Over/Undercoding Inferior Turbinate Procedures With This Test
Teach staff this rule: 1 turbinate = 1 code The feds and local authorities are [...] - Get the Lowdown on CMS Transfer-of-Care Regs
Don't let narrow interpretations stop you from using 99241-99245 for tube candidates You can confidently [...] - Stop Trying to Read the Requesting Physician's Mind -- Use This Confirmation Sheet Instead
Consult or referral? Here's how to tell 100 percent of the time Pinpoint whether a [...] - YOU BE THE CODER ~ T&A:
1 or 2 Codes?
Question: An otolaryngologist performs a tonsillectomy and secondary adenoidectomy. May I separately code each surgery?
Minnesota [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Learn Exception to Indented Code Rule
Question: Should we assign 31254 and 31255 for an anterior ethmoidectomy?
Florida Subscriber Answer: You should [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Report 041.11 Without Site
Question: What is MRSA sepsis, and how should I code it?
Kentucky Subscriber Answer: -MRSA- stands [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Distinguish Between Laryngoscopies
Question: What is the difference between a direct and indirect laryngoscope?
Connecticut Subscriber Answer: Indirect laryngoscopy [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Include Tube Removal in Repair
Question: I interpret the December 2006 Otolaryngology Coding Alert -Reader Question: Apply Medicare Guideline to [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Add a 5th Digit to Your Rhinorrhea Dx
Question: What diagnosis should I use for rhinorrhea?
New York Subscriber Answer: Effective Oct. 1, 2006, [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Endoscopy Is Key to Billing 31233
Question: Would you please clarify the use of 31233? Per CPT description, 31233 is -nasal/sinus [...] - Follow 2 Rules When Using New Inhalation Codes
CPT introduces 2 time-based codes with practice expense When you update your encounter sheet for [...] - Hone Your Modifier 25 Policies With These Rules
Private payers may drop the modifier requirement for medicine/service claims You finally have a fail-safe [...] - CODING QUIZ ~ Take 5 Minutes to Test Your NPP Coding Skills
Can you bill incident-to in the hospital? The answer may surprise you You might think [...] - NEWS BRIEF ~ Look Beyond CMS Web Site for NPI Applications
CMS removed the NPI PDF from its Web site, but you have other options This [...] - YOU BE THE CODER ~ Code This Emphysema Visit
Question: Which CPT code should we report when an established patient with emphysema (492.8, Other [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Patient Requests:
Consult or OV?
Question: I know that CPT deleted the confirmatory consult codes for billing second opinions, but [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Peak-Flow Denial May Be on Target
Question: An insurance company told me that the code I use for peak flow (94250) [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Count 'No Fever' in ROS
Question: I have found information and heard at seminars conflicting information regarding the Associated Signs [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Use Modifier to Report Inhalations
Question: When I bill two units of 94640, insurers deny the second charge as duplicative. [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Code Each DOS for Observation Stay
Question: I am having trouble with a claim for multiple-day observation care. The allergist admitted [...] - READER QUESTION ~ Which Codes Apply to Bronchitis?
Question: When I use 491.9 to describe a patient's bronchitis, payers often deny the code [...]
