Radiology Coding Alert

Beware: A place of service code error for 49418 could cost you more than $1,200.Confusing terms such as "temporary" and "permanent" are a thing of the past for intraperitoneal (IP) catheter coding. Here's the scoop on how CPT 2011 freshened up your options.New Code 49418 Starts the IP Catheter Code ChangesDefined as a "complete" procedure, you'll find multiple services covered by new code 49418 (Insertion of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter [e.g., dialysis, intraperitoneal chemotherapy instillation, management of ascites], complete procedure, including imaging guidance, catheter placement, contrast injection when performed, and radiological supervision and interpretation, percutaneous).Medicare assigned this new code a 0-day global period, which means Medicare doesn't bundle visits on subsequent days into the procedure payment.Proceed carefully: Medicare's national fee schedule prices for 49418 differ significantly based on whether you're reporting a facility service ($234.78) or non-facility service ($1,519.08). That's a difference of more than $1,200, so be sure to watch [...]