Advanced Search

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

CCI Slashes Ability to Separate CBC Edits

Published on Sat Jun 12, 2010

Modifier indicator change from '1' to '0' ties labs' hands.Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) 16.1 appeared to open the door for reporting a medically necessary complete blood count (CBC) with subsequent transcutaneous hemoglobin later in the day -- but CCI 16.2 slams that door shut.Think Twice Before Coding 2 HemoglobinsAlthough your lab might get a request for two medically necessary hemoglobin tests by different methods in a single day, you won't be able to bill for both, according to the latest version of CCI.CCI has bundled 88738 (Hemoglobin [Hgb], quantitative, transcutaneous) with 85025 (Blood count; complete [CBC], automated [Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC, and platelet count] and automated differential WBC count) and 85027 (... complete [CBC], automated [Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC, and platelet count]) since Jan. 1. CCI 16.0 listed a "0" modifier indicator, meaning that you couldn't override the edit pair under any circumstances.But CCI 16.1 changed the modifier indicator to "1," [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

View All