Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Descriptors Become More Descriptive
Published on Sun Nov 16, 2003 
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The new code for ablation of bone tumors (20982 ) shows a new trend toward more specific code descriptors. Instead of letting coders and payers fight over whether the code includes computed tomographic guidance, the CPT panel specified that it does, says consultant Alex House with Practice Mix in Scottsdale, Ariz.
"I was really happy to see some of the clarifications on some of the other codes," House says. For example, the new descriptors for tendon sheath injection codes 20550 and 20551 make it clear that each code is only for a single tendon, so it's less likely payers will try to bundle multiple injections into a single code.
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