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Radiology Coding Alert

Pain Management:

64622-+64627: Heed UHC's Policy Update for Spinal Ablation

Published on Fri Sep 02, 2011

Request spot-on documentation of time to improve coverage chances. Does your interventional radiologist clearly document each detail of ablation treatments for spinal pain, from the temperature and duration to the level of improvement? He needs to, if you file claims with United Healthcare (UHC). Explanation: UHC introduced revised guidelines for "Ablative Treatment for Spinal Pain," effective for treatments provided on June 1, 2011, and beyond. The guidelines specifically address six areas where clear documentation is imperative, so work with your providers to ensure their documentation passes muster. Focus on Temperature, Duration, and Location The UHC policy states that medical records for thermal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat spinal pain must clearly document six items: Procedure's temperature of administration Ablation duration Side and level of medial branch blocks Side and level of specific cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar ablated Percentage of pain relief from prior ablation (if applicable) Duration of improvement from [...]
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