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 procedures, modifiers, and the global package
CMS and CPT both define the components of the global surgical package to include certain pre-op, intra-op, and post-op services. Learn what is included in the single payment, what may be reported separately and how to do it.
Can we bill an E/M service with a scheduled endoscopy?
Question: Can we charge an E/M service when we do a scheduled endoscopy to account for the cost of nursing staff, supplies, pre- and post- care of … [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...]
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...]
Procedure Coding for Colonoscopies
“A colonoscopy is the examination of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum, and may include the examination of the terminal ileum or small … [Read more...]
Coding Skin Procedures in Dermatology, Family Practice and Urgent Care | Webinar
Recorded February 21, 2019 Many practitioners would rather do a skin procedure than code for the service. Skin procedures aren’t just a staple of … [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 for Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is performed to remove complex or ill-defined skin cancer, and the procedure includes both the surgery and histopathologic examination. … [Read more...]
Other dermatologic procedures
This aricle reviews the codes and guidelines for these dermatologic procedures; Intralesional injections, photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, and … [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 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...]
Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions
The chart below includes CPT® codes, and descriptions for shaving epidermal and dermal lesions. After the chart, there are important key points to … [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
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...]
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 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...]
Coding Guide – Minor Surgical Procedures
This guide includes definitions of minor procedures used frequently in primary care and urgent care. And, even more important, instructions for … [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...]
Minor Procedures
These reference sheets for minor procedures include common CPT® codes, descriptions, current work and non-facility RVUs, and global days for quick … [Read more...]