Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Published on Fri May 22, 2009 PDF

Plus: CMS is taking comments on its new potential definitions of EHR 'meaningful use.'

CPT continues to add new codes, and the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) continues to institute edits that tell you what you can -- and cannot -- report together.

CCI's latest version 15.2 takes effect on July 1, and includes over 3,500 new edit pairs, according to Frank Cohen, senior analyst with MIT Solutions, Inc., in a June 17 news release.

CCI makes over 6,000 code pair deletions this time around and makes ten modifier changes. Unfortunately, nine of those modifier changes are bad news for practices, because they change from a "1" (which meant you could append a modifier to separate the code pair) to "0," which means no modifier can separate the edit.

For instance: CCI used to allow a modifier to separate the edits bundling 62290 (Injection procedure for discography, each level; lumbar) and 72295 (Discography, lumbar, radiological supervision and interpretation) into 63030 (Laminotomy, with decompression of nerve roots]...1 interspace, lumbar), but you can no longer report these codes together under any circumstances, even with a modifier.

Look for a complete analysis of CCI 15.2 in next week's Insider.