Pulmonology Coding Alert
CPT Update:
2003 Brings Needed Revisions to Nebulizer and Allergy Test Codes
Look out for some much-awaited revisions to pulmonology codes for 2003 that will greatly... Read more
2003 Brings Needed Revisions to Nebulizer and Allergy Test Codes
Look out for some much-awaited revisions to pulmonology codes for 2003 that will greatly... Read more
Modifier -59:
Know When to Use It and When to Avoid It
Using modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) can optimize a pulmonologist's bottom... Read more
Know When to Use It and When to Avoid It
Using modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) can optimize a pulmonologist's bottom... Read more
News Brief:
OIG Issues Latest Work Plan
The HHS Office of Inspector General has released the work plan for the 2003 fiscal year... Read more
OIG Issues Latest Work Plan
The HHS Office of Inspector General has released the work plan for the 2003 fiscal year... Read more
Reader Questions:
Billing X-Ray Interpretations
Question: How should I bill for x-ray interpretation when I do not own the equipment? Il... Read more
Billing X-Ray Interpretations
Question: How should I bill for x-ray interpretation when I do not own the equipment? Il... Read more
Reader Questions:
Time:The Key E/M Component
Question: An established patient returned to the office to discuss a finding on a comput... Read more
Time:The Key E/M Component
Question: An established patient returned to the office to discuss a finding on a comput... Read more
Reader Questions:
Complex Stress Tests Bundle CO2 and O2
Question: Our pulmonologist has been doing complex metabolic stress tests, and we're n... Read more
Complex Stress Tests Bundle CO2 and O2
Question: Our pulmonologist has been doing complex metabolic stress tests, and we're n... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bronchospasm Evaluation Bundles
Question: We are having trouble coding for bronchospasm evaluations here at our office.... Read more
Bronchospasm Evaluation Bundles
Question: We are having trouble coding for bronchospasm evaluations here at our office.... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tricky Nebulizer Codes
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Tricky Nebulizer Codes
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Coding at Ground Zero:
Use CMS and LMRP Guidelines to Avoid PFT Coding Problems
Although carriers regularly reject pulmonary function test (PFT) claims based on... Read more
Use CMS and LMRP Guidelines to Avoid PFT Coding Problems
Although carriers regularly reject pulmonary function test (PFT) claims based on... Read more
CCI Update:
CMS Targets Injection Codes in Version 8.3
For pulmonologists, the most important revisions in Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) ver... Read more
CMS Targets Injection Codes in Version 8.3
For pulmonologists, the most important revisions in Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) ver... Read more
Op Note and Diagnoses Deflate Thoracentesis Coding Challenges
When coding thoracentesis, you should understand the reason for the procedures first,... Read more
When coding thoracentesis, you should understand the reason for the procedures first,... Read more
What Is Thoracentesis and Why Do Pulmonologists Perform It?
Pulmonology coders will be able to report thoracentesis more readily when they have a cl... Read more
Pulmonology coders will be able to report thoracentesis more readily when they have a cl... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Emphysema Medication
Question: Which codes should I use for medications the pulmonologist ordered for the tre... Read more
Emphysema Medication
Question: Which codes should I use for medications the pulmonologist ordered for the tre... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Critical Care
Question: If a pulmonologist provides a patient in the hospital with critical care for 4... Read more
Critical Care
Question: If a pulmonologist provides a patient in the hospital with critical care for 4... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Documentation Guidelines
Question: My physician bills his E/M services using the 1997 Documentation Guidelines. A... Read more
Documentation Guidelines
Question: My physician bills his E/M services using the 1997 Documentation Guidelines. A... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Billing the Technical Component
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Billing the Technical Component
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Get the Wolfs Share of Reimbursement for Treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Several factors that affect coding come into play when pulmonologists treat the pulmona... Read more
Several factors that affect coding come into play when pulmonologists treat the pulmona... Read more
Lupus Signs and Symptoms Key to Coding
Several signs and symptoms affect patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 710.0)... Read more
Several signs and symptoms affect patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 710.0)... Read more
Flu Shot Season Is Here:
Ensure Payment for Vaccine Administration
Although reporting the flu vaccine administration and drug used is straightforward, bil... Read more
Ensure Payment for Vaccine Administration
Although reporting the flu vaccine administration and drug used is straightforward, bil... Read more
Dont Get Stuck When Coding for Cystic Fibrosis Monitoring
Coding for the pulmonary monitoring of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients involves reporting b... Read more
Coding for the pulmonary monitoring of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients involves reporting b... Read more
Dont Lose Out on Counseling and Coordination of Care for CF Patients
Tracking cystic fibrosis (CF) patient counseling and coordination of care time during an ... Read more
Tracking cystic fibrosis (CF) patient counseling and coordination of care time during an ... Read more
Reader Question:
Blood Tests
Question: How should I code for an evaluation of hepatitis C in patients who have pulmo... Read more
Blood Tests
Question: How should I code for an evaluation of hepatitis C in patients who have pulmo... Read more
Reader Question:
Discharge Management
Question: When can the pulmonologist bill for discharge management services? If the pul... Read more
Discharge Management
Question: When can the pulmonologist bill for discharge management services? If the pul... Read more
Reader Question:
Pulmonary Function Tests
Question: Which pulmonary function tests (PFTs) cannot be reported together on the same... Read more
Pulmonary Function Tests
Question: Which pulmonary function tests (PFTs) cannot be reported together on the same... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diagnostic Thoracentesis
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Diagnostic Thoracentesis
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Breathe Easy When Coding for ARDS Diagnosis and Treatment
There is more to coding for adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) than just ventila... Read more
There is more to coding for adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) than just ventila... Read more
What Is ARDS?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can help co... Read more
Knowing the signs and symptoms of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can help co... Read more
You Dont Have to Share Payment When Providing Concurrent Care
A pulmonologist who bills inpatient hospital visits as concurrent care should emphasize ... Read more
A pulmonologist who bills inpatient hospital visits as concurrent care should emphasize ... Read more
News Brief:
Look for Revised Place-of-Service Indicators in 2003
As part of its proposed revisions to the 2003 Physician Fee Schedule, CMS has recommend... Read more
Look for Revised Place-of-Service Indicators in 2003
As part of its proposed revisions to the 2003 Physician Fee Schedule, CMS has recommend... Read more
Correction
The example under the heading "Consult, Critical Care Are Options" in the July 2002 Pulmo... Read more
The example under the heading "Consult, Critical Care Are Options" in the July 2002 Pulmo... Read more
Reader Question:
X-Ray Interpretation
Question: In our pulmonary practice, patients often bring their x-rays and the written ... Read more
X-Ray Interpretation
Question: In our pulmonary practice, patients often bring their x-rays and the written ... Read more
Reader Question:
Consult or Transfer of Care?
Question: If another physician asks our pulmono-logist to evaluate and manage a new pati... Read more
Consult or Transfer of Care?
Question: If another physician asks our pulmono-logist to evaluate and manage a new pati... Read more
Reader Question:
Two Visits on the Same Day
Question: We have a patient who saw the pulmonologist in the morning then came to our ... Read more
Two Visits on the Same Day
Question: We have a patient who saw the pulmonologist in the morning then came to our ... Read more
Reader Question:
Two or More Allergy Injections
Question: How can we get paid for two or more allergy injections (each different medicat... Read more
Two or More Allergy Injections
Question: How can we get paid for two or more allergy injections (each different medicat... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Flexible Bronchoscopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Flexible Bronchoscopy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Use Proper Diagnoses,Test Coding to Stop Losing Payment for Post-Transplant Care
When you are coding post-lung transplant care, be sure you report the correct diagnosis ... Read more
When you are coding post-lung transplant care, be sure you report the correct diagnosis ... Read more
Easy Tips to Take the Pressure Off Diagnosis Coding for Spirometry
To ensure proper diagnosis coding for spirometry, you need to remember two things: spec... Read more
To ensure proper diagnosis coding for spirometry, you need to remember two things: spec... Read more
Keep Your Peace of Mind:
Dont Lose Out on Counseling Payment
Tracking patient counseling and coordination of care time during an office visit can b... Read more
Dont Lose Out on Counseling Payment
Tracking patient counseling and coordination of care time during an office visit can b... Read more
CCI Update:
No Changes of Note for Pulmonologists
Although the latest version of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) contains several ref... Read more
No Changes of Note for Pulmonologists
Although the latest version of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) contains several ref... Read more
Reader Question:
Pulse Oximetry and E/M on Same Date
Question: As part of an examination, our pulmonologist documented that he walked with th... Read more
Pulse Oximetry and E/M on Same Date
Question: As part of an examination, our pulmonologist documented that he walked with th... Read more
Reader Question:
Hospital Observation Services
Question: Occasionally, a patient may be in observation for three days. But we are havin... Read more
Hospital Observation Services
Question: Occasionally, a patient may be in observation for three days. But we are havin... Read more
Reader Question:
Coding Thoracentesis
Question: We use 32002 (Thoracentesis with insertion of tube with or without water seal ... Read more
Coding Thoracentesis
Question: We use 32002 (Thoracentesis with insertion of tube with or without water seal ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multiple ABG Interpretations
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lookin... Read more
Multiple ABG Interpretations
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lookin... Read more
Respiratory Acidosis/Alkalosis:
Dont Let Diagnosis Coding Take Your Breath Away
There are two key points to proper reimbursement when coding treatment for respirator... Read more
Dont Let Diagnosis Coding Take Your Breath Away
There are two key points to proper reimbursement when coding treatment for respirator... Read more
Critical Care Can Raise Payment for Acidosis Treatment
Patients with respiratory acidosis may require critical care. If the pulmonologist satis... Read more
Patients with respiratory acidosis may require critical care. If the pulmonologist satis... Read more
Ensure Proper Pretransplant Payment With Correct E/M Codes
Although pulmonologists don't perform lung transplants, they do provide several services... Read more
Although pulmonologists don't perform lung transplants, they do provide several services... Read more
Reader Question:
Post-Back-Surgery Ventilator
Question: Our pulmonologist is frequently asked to see patients who have been placed on... Read more
Post-Back-Surgery Ventilator
Question: Our pulmonologist is frequently asked to see patients who have been placed on... Read more
Reader Question:
Spirometry in Two Positions
Question: If our pulmonary function test lab performs spirometry in the supine and uprig... Read more
Spirometry in Two Positions
Question: If our pulmonary function test lab performs spirometry in the supine and uprig... Read more
Reader Question:
WorkersCompensation Follow-Up
Question: Our pulmonologist is seeing a patient as a follow-up for a workers' compensat... Read more
WorkersCompensation Follow-Up
Question: Our pulmonologist is seeing a patient as a follow-up for a workers' compensat... Read more
Reader Question:
Bronchoscopy With Sedation
Question: A bronchoscopy is performed using sedation. Can the physician bill for the sed... Read more
Bronchoscopy With Sedation
Question: A bronchoscopy is performed using sedation. Can the physician bill for the sed... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Vital Capacity Versus Peak Flow
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Vital Capacity Versus Peak Flow
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Properly Code Methacholine Provocation Tests To Ensure Appropriate Reimbursement
Pulmonologists and allergists often use methacholine (J7699) provocation challenge) test... Read more
Pulmonologists and allergists often use methacholine (J7699) provocation challenge) test... Read more
Do Not Lose Out on Payment For Interrupted Procedures
The pulmonologist inserts the bronchoscope into a sedated patient's trachea but stops w... Read more
The pulmonologist inserts the bronchoscope into a sedated patient's trachea but stops w... Read more
Reader Question:
Discharge Day Management
Question: What are the requirements for billing an E/M service for discharge day managem... Read more
Discharge Day Management
Question: What are the requirements for billing an E/M service for discharge day managem... Read more
Reader Question:
Pulmonary Edema
Question: What are the correct ICD-9 codes for the following types of pulmonary edema: pu... Read more
Pulmonary Edema
Question: What are the correct ICD-9 codes for the following types of pulmonary edema: pu... Read more
Reader Question:
Pulse Oximetry
Question: When does Medicare allow separate payment for pulse oximetry? Which ICD-9 code... Read more
Pulse Oximetry
Question: When does Medicare allow separate payment for pulse oximetry? Which ICD-9 code... Read more
Reader Question:
New Modifiers
Question: When billing Medicare services, how should I use modifiers -GY, -GZ and -GA? V... Read more
New Modifiers
Question: When billing Medicare services, how should I use modifiers -GY, -GZ and -GA? V... Read more
Reader Question:
Allergy Immunotherapy
Question: What are the administration and CPT codes for allergy immunotherapy? Wh... Read more
Allergy Immunotherapy
Question: What are the administration and CPT codes for allergy immunotherapy? Wh... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hospice Care
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Hospice Care
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Code All Services When Treating Sarcoidosis Patients to Optimize Reimbursement
A patient with signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis presents numerous coding challenges to... Read more
A patient with signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis presents numerous coding challenges to... Read more
Use E Codes to Clarify Claims
Pulmonology practices should understand the implications of billing for services using... Read more
Pulmonology practices should understand the implications of billing for services using... Read more
CCI 8.1 Will Not Greatly Impact Pulmonologists
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 8.1, effective April 1, does not dramatically... Read more
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 8.1, effective April 1, does not dramatically... Read more
CMS Clarifies Use of Modifiers -GA,-GY,-GZ
CMS has posted a new chart on its Web site (www.hcfa.gov/medlearn/refabn.htm) instruct... Read more
CMS has posted a new chart on its Web site (www.hcfa.gov/medlearn/refabn.htm) instruct... Read more
Reader Question:
Consultation Leading to Other Services
Question: Our pulmonology practice recently received a cardiology referral who has sympt... Read more
Consultation Leading to Other Services
Question: Our pulmonology practice recently received a cardiology referral who has sympt... Read more
Reader Question:
Medical Necessity
Question: How should I code medical necessity for a cardiac resuscitation in the hospita... Read more
Medical Necessity
Question: How should I code medical necessity for a cardiac resuscitation in the hospita... Read more
Reader Question:
Administering Allergy Injections
Question: Some asthmatic patients bring their allergy injection preparation for us to ad... Read more
Administering Allergy Injections
Question: Some asthmatic patients bring their allergy injection preparation for us to ad... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Postoperative Pneumonia
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Postoperative Pneumonia
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Master Coding Techniques When Billing for Ventilator Management
A pulmonologist provides 40 minutes of bedside ventilator management to a patient in the... Read more
A pulmonologist provides 40 minutes of bedside ventilator management to a patient in the... Read more
Sick and Well:
How to Code the Combination Visit
Many patients with chronic respiratory conditions rely on their pulmonologist to provide ... Read more
How to Code the Combination Visit
Many patients with chronic respiratory conditions rely on their pulmonologist to provide ... Read more
CMS Updates Instructions on Advance Beneficiary Notice
According to a notice appearing in the Federal Register, Feb. 19, 2002, CMS has resubmitt... Read more
According to a notice appearing in the Federal Register, Feb. 19, 2002, CMS has resubmitt... Read more
Reader Question:
Patient-Initiated Spirometry
Question: Should patient-initiated spirometry be reported on the last day of the 30-day p... Read more
Patient-Initiated Spirometry
Question: Should patient-initiated spirometry be reported on the last day of the 30-day p... Read more
Reader Question:
Disability Patients
Question: My pulmonologist performs a lot of work for patients on disability. How should I... Read more
Disability Patients
Question: My pulmonologist performs a lot of work for patients on disability. How should I... Read more
Reader Question:
Bronchodilators and IPPB Treatments
Question: Whats the latest on coding for broncho-dilators and intermittent positive pressu... Read more
Bronchodilators and IPPB Treatments
Question: Whats the latest on coding for broncho-dilators and intermittent positive pressu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before loo... Read more
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before loo... Read more
Multiple Procedures, Modifiers and Endoscopy Rules Apply to Bronchoscopy Coding
Reviewed on May 15, 2015 Bronchoscopy is a common procedure. Codes (31622-31656) descr... Read more
Reviewed on May 15, 2015 Bronchoscopy is a common procedure. Codes (31622-31656) descr... Read more
SNF Patients Seen in the Office:
Separate the Technical and Professional Components
Pulmonary physicians who see skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents in the office face ... Read more
Separate the Technical and Professional Components
Pulmonary physicians who see skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents in the office face ... Read more
CMS Consolidates Information
CMS recently compiled information about consolidated billing on its Web site at www.hcfa.... Read more
CMS recently compiled information about consolidated billing on its Web site at www.hcfa.... Read more
Get Paid for Visits to the NICU
Premature infants who require extended stays in neo-natal intensive care units (NICUs) a... Read more
Premature infants who require extended stays in neo-natal intensive care units (NICUs) a... Read more
Reader Question:
Pneumonia Diagnosis
Question: Our pulmonologist wrote pneumonia in a hospital patients chart without specifyin... Read more
Pneumonia Diagnosis
Question: Our pulmonologist wrote pneumonia in a hospital patients chart without specifyin... Read more
Reader Question:
Allergy Immunotherapy
Question: Can I bill allergy immunotherapy and an office visit separately? Massachusetts ... Read more
Allergy Immunotherapy
Question: Can I bill allergy immunotherapy and an office visit separately? Massachusetts ... Read more
Reader Question:
Two Tests in One Day
Question: Can I bill for a spirogram (94010) and methacholine test (94070) performed on ... Read more
Two Tests in One Day
Question: Can I bill for a spirogram (94010) and methacholine test (94070) performed on ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Stress Tests
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before l... Read more
Stress Tests
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before l... Read more
Case Study:
Tuberculosis: An Age-Old Health Threat Poses Reimbursement Challenges
Tuberculosis (TB) is a growing health threat nationwide and a problem seen by pulmonary... Read more
Tuberculosis: An Age-Old Health Threat Poses Reimbursement Challenges
Tuberculosis (TB) is a growing health threat nationwide and a problem seen by pulmonary... Read more
Coding the Prolonged Visit
Prolonged service codes 99354-99357 are used when the physician provides a prolonged servi... Read more
Prolonged service codes 99354-99357 are used when the physician provides a prolonged servi... Read more
Review CCI Edits Quarterly to Stay on Top of Changes
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 8.0, effective Jan. 1 through March 31, 2002,... Read more
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 8.0, effective Jan. 1 through March 31, 2002,... Read more
Reader Question:
Vaccine Policies
Question: We have a policy whereby we are unable to administer flu vaccines to patients w... Read more
Vaccine Policies
Question: We have a policy whereby we are unable to administer flu vaccines to patients w... Read more
Reader Question:
Photodynamic Therapy
Question: How should I bill for photodynamic therapy?California Subscriber Answer: Photod... Read more
Photodynamic Therapy
Question: How should I bill for photodynamic therapy?California Subscriber Answer: Photod... Read more
Reader Question:
Second Opinion Requested
Question: I recently saw a pediatric patient whod been seen six months before by another m... Read more
Second Opinion Requested
Question: I recently saw a pediatric patient whod been seen six months before by another m... Read more
Reader Question:
Double Diagnosis
Question: How should I code for a patient who has emphysema and renal failure?Virginia Sub... Read more
Double Diagnosis
Question: How should I code for a patient who has emphysema and renal failure?Virginia Sub... Read more
Reader Question:
Oxygen Therapy
Question: Our pulmonologist was recently credentialed to perform hyperbaric oxygen therap... Read more
Oxygen Therapy
Question: Our pulmonologist was recently credentialed to perform hyperbaric oxygen therap... Read more
Reader Question:
Pulmonary Function Test
Question: How is interpretation of a pulmonary function test for a patient with... Read more
Pulmonary Function Test
Question: How is interpretation of a pulmonary function test for a patient with... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pulmonary Embolism
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before look... Read more
Pulmonary Embolism
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before look... Read more
Cold and Flu Season:
Dont Sweat It What To Do When a Cold Becomes Pneumonia
Pulmonologists often care for patients with chronic respiratory disease who develop pneu... Read more
Dont Sweat It What To Do When a Cold Becomes Pneumonia
Pulmonologists often care for patients with chronic respiratory disease who develop pneu... Read more
CMS Approves National Coverage Policy for Mild OSA
CMS recently said it intends to expand Medicare coverage of continuous positive airway pr... Read more
CMS recently said it intends to expand Medicare coverage of continuous positive airway pr... Read more
Choose Different Codes for Arterial and Pulmonary Systems
Thromboembolic disease, a tendency toward blood clotting in the arterial system, is most... Read more
Thromboembolic disease, a tendency toward blood clotting in the arterial system, is most... Read more
Anthrax Coding Report Free on Web
Physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide services to any patients with ac... Read more
Physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide services to any patients with ac... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -22
Question: When a procedure such as bronchoscopy is lengthened due to altered anatomical fe... Read more
Modifier -22
Question: When a procedure such as bronchoscopy is lengthened due to altered anatomical fe... Read more
Reader Question:
Vaccine Administration
Question: Do I need a physician to administer a flu or pneumonia vaccine?Minnesota Subscri... Read more
Vaccine Administration
Question: Do I need a physician to administer a flu or pneumonia vaccine?Minnesota Subscri... Read more
Reader Question:
Dementia Diagnosis
Question: When I evaluate a patient for sleep apnea who also has Alzheimers (mild to moder... Read more
Dementia Diagnosis
Question: When I evaluate a patient for sleep apnea who also has Alzheimers (mild to moder... Read more
Reader Question:
Consultation Criteria
Question: A patients primary care physician (PCP) exhausted all treatment options for a pe... Read more
Consultation Criteria
Question: A patients primary care physician (PCP) exhausted all treatment options for a pe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Two Services in One Day
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before loo... Read more
Two Services in One Day
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before loo... Read more