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...]
In-office GYN Procedures | Webinar
Recorded September 26, 2019 Clinicians in gynecology practices and family practices frequently perform in-office gynecological procedures. This … [Read more...]
Anticoagulation Management
I continue to get questions about billing for anticoagulation management, and I’m hoping this post can put some (all?) of them to rest. First, two … [Read more...]
E/M frequency data for family medicine and internal medicine
CMS releases E/M frequency data annually. A physician self-elects their specialty designation when enrolling with Medicare. The panel for family … [Read more...]
Screening codes guide – G0442, G0443, G0444, G0446, G0447
Medicare pays for some screening services for its beneficiaries, using HCPCS codes. These screening codes are time-based HCPCS codes with relatively … [Read more...]
Pre-operative clearance in primary care
Primary care practices are frequently asked to do preoperative evaluations or clearances on their own patients by a surgeon. Although a routine … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
CPT® codes for fine needle aspiration
Fine needle aspiration biopsy Material is aspirated with a fine needle and the cells are examined cytologically Core needle biopsy is … [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...]
Coding for hypertension in the HCC system | Reference Sheet
Coding for hypertension in the HCC system often requires additional codes to specify type of hypertension, and other complications or factors. This … [Read more...]
Using Modifier 59 | Quick Reference
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 | Quick Reference
Modifier 33 is a CPT modifier used to identify medical care whose primary purpose is delivery of an evidence based service, based on recommendations … [Read more...]
Using Modifier 25 | Quick Reference
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...]
Intensive behavioral counseling for cardiovascular disease, HCPCS code G0446
Medicare pays a primary care physician or other primary care practitioner in a primary care setting to annually provide one face-to-face behavioral … [Read more...]
Coding Guide – Preventive Medicine Services
This is the resource guide from CodingIntel's one hour course on preventive medicine. Coding for preventive medicine services should be easy, but … [Read more...]
Behavioral counseling for obesity, HCPCS code G0447
Medicare pays for ongoing face-to-face behavioral counseling for patients with a BMI of ≥ 30, who are alert and able to participate in … [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...]