Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Update bundles for cytology, special stains. Just as you're starting to use CPT® 2012 changes in your laboratory, the latest edition of Medicare's Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) restricts how you can use some of those codes. CCI released version 18.0, effective Jan. 1, revealing 15,530 new active pairs and 6,197 code pair terminations, according to Frank D. Cohen, MPA, MBB, senior analyst with Frank Cohen Group, LLC. Most of the new code pair additions for laboratory involve CPT® codes that debuted on Jan. 1, with CCI now halting payment if you report certain procedures together. Remember: You cannot simply add a modifier (such as 59, Distinct procedural service) any time you want to separate a code bundle " you'd have to justify it with the physician's documentation that shows the distinct nature of the service, such as a separate site or session, says Kristi Stumpf, MCS-P, CPC, COSC, ACS-OR, owner [...]