203.00 and 198.5

[dtricia]

I have seen the Coding Clinic article from 1992 re lymphomas, but the code range does not include 203.00. I don't think 203.00 should be billed with 198.5 because bone detioration is a symptom of the myeloma. The disease is happening in the marrow. It is not spreading to the bone.
I have a couple claims with providers billed this code combination. I need ammunition.

Thanks,
Tricia D, ...just passed CHONC!!

 

[dtricia]

Got my answer. The full range of codes is not just 200-202.00 that cannot be billed with 198.5. It is 200-208. So no, multiple myeloma cannot be billed with 198.5. The article I was reading did not have all the information. The newest code book does, in the excludes notes.
Tricia, RHIT, CPC, CCS-P, CHONC