CodingIntel

Medical coding resources for physicians and their staff. CodingIntel was founded by consultant and coding expert Betsy Nicoletti.

  • Become a member
  • E/M Changes for 2021
  • Learn More
    • What is CodingIntel?
    • Membership pricing
    • Free resources
      • Can I Get Paid
      • Nicoletti Notes
      • Everyday Coding Q&A
      • Newsletter Archives
      • NEW! Site map
  • Member Resources
    • NEW! Site map
    • Home
    • Articles
    • Coding Guides
    • Quick Reference Sheets
    • Webinars
  • Coding Education
    • Webinars
    • Courses
    • Specialty resources
    • HCC Coding Guide
    • Order print resources
  • My Account
    • Login
    • Logout
    • Manage Account

Lesion Destruction Tip Sheet

CPT® does not make it easy to locate codes for destruction of lesion(s). These codes are found in multiple chapters throughout the CPT® book, and are … [Read more...]

Surgical Coding for Hernia Repair

An abdominal hernia is a protrusion of part of the intestines through a weakened section of the abdominal cavity; herniations can occur in other parts … [Read more...]

E/M frequency data for surgical specialties

CMS releases E/M frequency data annually.  A physician self-elects their specialty designation when enrolling with Medicare. Unfortunately, there … [Read more...]

Repair (closure) CPT® 12001–13160–2020 update

Laceration or wound repair codes are reported based on the type of repair (simple, intermediate, complex), the anatomic location, and the length … [Read more...]

Coding multiple procedures | Examples with modifiers

Biopsies and lesion destruction codes are often performed at the same patient visit. This leads to questions about bundling and modifiers. There are … [Read more...]

Modifier 51 or 59? How to know which to bill?

There are two modifiers commonly used in surgical specialties when billing two or more procedures at the same encounter.  Appending the correct … [Read more...]

Diagnosis coding for biopsy sent for pathology

Question: What diagnosis code should you use when sending a skin biopsy to pathology? a)  D48.5 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin, or b)  … [Read more...]

Coding for destruction of malignant lesions

The primary factors in selecting a code for destruction of malignant lesions are: Size of lesion (not defect) Location Method is not a … [Read more...]

CPT® codes for fine needle aspiration

In 2019, CPT® changed the definition of code 10021 and deleted 10022. Fine needle aspiration biopsy Material is aspirated with a fine needle and … [Read more...]

Codes for skin biopsies

CPT updated certain skin biopsy codes in 2019 The codes for excision of benign and malignant lesions did not change, and codes for shave biopsies … [Read more...]

Using Modifier 59 | Cheat Sheet

Modifier 59 is referred to by CMS as the modifier of last resort. It is often used when modifier 51 is the more accurate modifier. This quick … [Read more...]

Using Modifier 33 | Cheat Sheet

Modifier 33 is used to identify certain screening and preventive services. This quick reference sheet addresses: When to use modifier 33 Why … [Read more...]

Using Modifier 25 | Cheat Sheet

Use of Modifier 25 may be applicable when an E/M service is provided on the same day as a procedure, a  preventive medicine service, or other medical … [Read more...]

Coding Guide – CPT® and HCPCS Code Modifiers

Table of Contents Modifier introduction Initial evaluation – minor procedure E/M service same day Initial evaluation – major procedure … [Read more...]

Coding Guide – Minor Surgical Procedures

This guide includes complete definitions, RVUs, and global days of minor procedures used frequently in primary care and urgent care. And, even more … [Read more...]

Are subsequent hospital or office visits prior to surgery billable?

Question:  Are the surgeon’s subsequent hospital visits or office visits between their original consult and the final visit prior to surgery … [Read more...]

ICD-10 coding for suspected cancer

Diagnosis coding for possible malignancy How would you feel if your primary care physician and your general surgeon told you—and told your insurance … [Read more...]

Not all emergency surgery should be coded at the highest level | E/M Services and MDM

Surgeons sometimes think that the E/M service on the date of every emergency surgery is the highest level E/M.  99285 or 99223.  This article … [Read more...]

Coding for biopsy | Should we wait for a pathology report?

Question: Should we always wait for the pathology report before submitting a code for a biopsy? Answer: Sometimes. Wait for the pathology … [Read more...]

Selecting CPT® rules for excision of skin lesions

Many medical practices perform skin procedures.  A patient may see a dermatologist, a family physician or a surgeon when the time comes to find out, … [Read more...]

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Looking for training on the new E/M Guidelines for 2021?

"Documentation Essentials for Codes 99202-99215 in 2021" is now available!

Take the two hour course on-demand, or sign up for one of our live events with Q&A.

Learn more

Latest Intel

Office Visit Fees in 2021

CMS released the updated conversion factor for … Read More...

CMS’s 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule | Webinar

2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final … Read More...

Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for Calendar Year 2021

If you haven't signed up already, register for the … Read More...

FAQ: Scoring the elements in the new E/M guidelines for 2021

Scoring elements can be challenging with the new … Read More...

Browse By Categories

Browse Content

  • Articles
  • Coding Guides
  • Everyday Coding Q&A
  • Videos
  • Can I Get Paid to
  • Blog
  • Webinars
  • Podcasts

Tags

behavioral health category of service CCM CMS Code sets and reimbursement Compliance compliance issues consults CPT®codes CPT® rules critical care Dermatology diagnosis coding Documentation Guidelines E/M other E/M services exam general surgery global surgery rules HCC HCPCS codes ICD-10 ICD-10-CM level of service MDM medical decision making Medicare Medicare rules modifiers new patient other E/M services Physician Billing physician coding preventive medicine preventive medicine services primary care procedure coding prolonged services psychiatry risk adjusted coding screening teaching physician rules telehealth using time to select a code Wellness Visits
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Our mission is to provide accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date coding information, allowing medical practices to increase revenue, decrease coding denials and reduce compliance risk. That's what coding knowledge can do.

In 1988, CodingIntel.com founder Betsy Nicoletti started a Medical Services Organization for a rural hospital, supporting physician practice. She has been a self-employed consultant since 1998. She estimates that in the last 20 years her audience members number over 28,400 at in person events and webinars. She has had 2,500 meetings with clinical providers and reviewed over 43,000 medical notes. She knows what questions need answers and developed this resource to answer those questions. For more about Betsy visit www.betsynicoletti.com.

Copyright 2021, CodingIntel
Privacy Policy