Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
2009New HCPCS Set Introduces Dori-penem, Other Injection Codes
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Plus: HCPCS changes codes for Privigen injection, 'Welcome to Medicare' exam. Warning: The new crop of HCPCS codes, which take effect on Jan. 1, may give you deja vu. That's because you've seen many of the "new" descriptors before. For example: HCPCS 2009 introduces new code J1459 (Injection,immune globulin [Privigen], intravenous, non-lyophilized [e.g., liquid], 500 mg), but deletes Q4097, which for 2008 used the same descriptor as new "This is an instance where Privigen injections 'graduated' from the 'Q' code section, which are temporary codes, to the 'J' codes, which are more permanent," says Heather Corcoran with CGH Billing in Louisville, Ky. "That's the only difference between the old and new codes in this category." Von Willebrand: Likewise, HCPCS will delete Q4096 (Injection, Von Willebrand factor complex, human, ristocetin cofactor [not otherwise specified], per I.U. VWF: RCO) and replace it with J7186 (Injection, antihemophilic factor VII/Von Willebrand factor complex [human], per factor VIII I.U). Welcome to Medicare: HCPCS also alters the way you'll report the Welcome to Medicare exam, deleting G0344 (Initial preventive physical examination; face-to-face visit, services limited to new beneficiary during the first 12 months of Medicare enrollment) and replacing it with G0402, which will have the exact same descriptor. Spirometry: HCPCS will introduce the following two codes for reporting spirometry supplies: • A9284 -- Spirometer, non-electronic, includes all accessories Injections: HCPCS will add several new codes to aid in reporting injections that your practitioner performs: • C9245 -- Injection, romiplostim, 10 MCG Rationale: "Romiplostim is used in treating thrombocytopenia, while doripenem is an antibiotic often used to treat abdominal infections," says Jay Neal, an Atlanta-based coding consultant. "Triamcinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid," he adds. To read the full set of HCPCS changes, visit the CMS Web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/HCPCSReleaseCodeSets/ANHCPCS/.
code J1459.
• E0487 -- Spirometer, electronic, includes all accessories
J0641 -- Injection, levoleucovorin calcium, 0.5 mg
• J1267 -- Injection, doripenem, 10 mg
• J3300 -- Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, preservative free,1 mg
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