Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Physician Notes:

CMS Releases Collagen Implant Code

Plus: CMS still hasn't confirmed an administrator.

It may be the middle of the year, but CMS isn't done adding codes to take effect for 2010.

On June 25, CMS announced changes to the 2010 Fee Schedule, from introducing new codes to changing the multiple procedure indicators on others.

For instance, you'll find that the multiple procedure indicator for code 36148 (Introduction of needle and/or catheter, arteriovenous shunt created for dialysis (graft/fistula); additional access for therapeutic intervention) is now 0 (effective for dates of service Jan. 1, 2010 and afterward), meaning that the multiple procedure concept does not apply. Previously, the multiple procedure indicator on this code was 2 (meaning that the multiple procedure criteria used to apply to the code).

In addition to changing the procedure status codes on 36148 and other services, CMS also announced recently that it introduced several new codes, including the following:

G0429 - Dermal filler injection for the treatment of facial lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS) (e.g., as a result of highly active antiretroviral therapy, effective March 23, 2010

Q2026 - Injection, Radiesse, 0.1 ml, effective March 23, 2010

Q2027 - Injection, Sculptra, 0.1 ml, effective March 23, 2010

G0428 - Collagen meniscus implant procedure for filling meniscal defects (e.g., CMI, collagen scaffold, Menaflex), effective May 25, 2010

To read the MLN Matters article announcing the Fee Schedule changes, visit www.cms.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6974.pdf.

In other news...

Don't expect a new CMS Administrator any time soon. Confirmation of President Obama's nominee, Dr. Donald Berwick, has been stalled by politics, according to press reports.

No confirmation hearing is yet set for the controversial nominee for CMS's top spot. Republicans seem poised to use the nomination as an opportunity to review their opposition to the health care reforms enacted this year.

The CMS Administrator spot has been open since October 2006.