Pediatric Coding Alert
Use S Codes for Private Payers
HCPCS codes are necessary because CPT does not contain all codes. Use HCPCS codes when no CPT code exists, when the HCPCS code is more specific, or when the third-party payer requires it. In some cases, national S codes are replacing local codes. Blue Cross/Blue Shield developed the S codes; Medicare never uses them. Pediatricians may use S codes for 2001:
S0220 medical conference by a physician with interdisciplinary team of health professionals or representatives of community agencies to coordinate activities of patient care (patient is present); approximately 30 minutes
S0221 ... approximately 60 minutes
S0630 removal of sutures by a physician other than the physician who originally closed the wound
S3620 newborn metabolic screening panel, includes test kit, postage and the following tests: hemoglobin, electrophoresis; hydroxyprogesterone; 17-d; phenalanine (PKU); and thyroxine, total
S5000 prescription drug, generic
S5001 prescription drug, brand name
S8105 oximeter for measuring blood oxygen levels noninvasively
S8402 diapers, each
S9088 services provided in an urgent care center
S9435 medical foods for inborn errors of metabolism.
Pediatric Coding Alert
- New Intranasal Codes Nothing To Sneeze at:
CPT Codes for 2002 Affect Pediatricians
A number of new and revised CPT codes will affect pediatricians in 2002. The new [...] - New Sore-Throat Codes Top List of ICD-9 Changes for 2002
New and revised ICD9 Codes for 2002 in several categories, such as sore [...] - You Be the Coder:
Strep Test
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Get Paid for Same-Day E/M Services and Minor Procedures
Pediatricians lose revenue if they do not bill for minor procedures done during an office [...] - Perform Neonatal Circumcision in the Office With Anesthesia
Many insurance companies will not pay for a newborn circumcision in addition to a hospital [...] - Use S Codes for Private Payers
Pediatric coders may be unfamiliar with S codes, a set of HCPCS Codes that applies [...] - Reader Question:
Nurse Counseling
Question: How should I bill for a nurse who spends more than half an hour [...] - Reader Question:
E/M With Starred Procedure
Question: Our physician charges an E/M service with a starred procedure (e.g., foreign body removal). [...] - Reader Question:
Intubation
Question: What is the correct code for intubation?
Maryland Subscriber
Answer: The code depends on what [...] - Statement of Ownership
