Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Medicare Issues New Smoking Cessation Codes
PDF
But acupuncture codes won't be covered
If you're gearing up to provide smoking-cessation counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, two new codes will prove useful.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced two new smoking cessation counseling codes: G0375 (...three to 10 minutes) and G0376 (...greater than 10 minutes.) These codes are retroactive to March 22, when the smoking cessation demonstration began.
The July update to the Physician Fee Schedule also adds RVUs for acupuncture codes 97810-97814, but stressed that Medicare still won't cover them. The RVUs are just there for the convenience of the community. Also, CMS changed virtual colonoscopy code 0066T to status code "N," with zero RVUs. Stent placement codes 0075T-0076T now have status "C," meaning carrier-priced.
In addition, CMS changed contrast agent codes A4643-A4647 and intravenous immune globulin code J1564 to non-covered Status "I" and injection codes Q9941-Q9957 to non-covered Status "E." The agency also changed the bilateral surgery status indicators for a number of codes.
CMS touted the new smoking cessation codes, and other changes, on its May 10 physician Open Door Forum (ODF). Among the other changes that CMS highlighted in the ODF:
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- DIAGNOSIS CODING:
New Overweight, BMI Codes Useful For Bariatric Surgery
But most doctors don't list body mass index on patient's charts
If [...] - DOCUMENTATION:
Know How To Cope With Altered Documentation
6 tips guide your actions when someone makes unauthorized revisions
There's no need to panic if [...] - What If An Outside Entity Changes Your Documentation?
If another entity that you deal with changes your documentation, your responsibilities may be slightly [...] - DRUG ADMINISTRATION:
Can You Bill Concurrent Infusion For Two Drugs In One Bag?
The answer is hiding in carrier local coverage decisions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [...] - MGMA Database Offers Benchmarking Opportunities For Doctors
If you're looking for data to compare your practice against, the Medical Group Management Association [...] - REIMBURSEMENT:
Medicare Issues New Smoking Cessation Codes
But acupuncture codes won't be covered
If you're gearing up to provide smoking-cessation counseling to Medicare [...] - Medicare Clarifies Tricky Therapy Supervision Issue
For physicians confused about how to supervise therapists providing services to their patients, hope is [...] - DRUG ADMINISTRATION:
Doctors Shouldn't Have To Promise Exact Date Of Drug Administration Under CAP
Associations object to 'radical' change in drug billing window
Now that the Centers for Medicare and [...] - Part B Coding Coach:
Test Your Suture Removal Savvy With 5 Expert Q&A's
There's no specific suture removal code, but that doesn't mean you can't bill for the [...] - PHYSICIAN NOTES:
Plaintiffs Can Go After Physicians If Malpractice Insurer Goes Under
You're at risk if your insurer goes into liquidation
For already struggling physicians, life just got [...]