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Specialty Pages

Coding for every specialty is different. For some specialties, you’ll find the in-depth knowledge and specific coding information you need to accurately and compliantly submit claims. Whether you prefer reading articles, downloading reference sheets and coding guides or watching a webinar, CodingIntel has what you need.

CDI and Coding for Cardiac Arrhythmia | Webinar

Event date June 22nd, 2026
1 CEU expires 6-30-2027

Guest presenter Dr. Robert Oubre

This educational activity provides a focused review of cardiac arrhythmias with an emphasis on atrial fibrillation and related rhythm disorders.

Depression Coding and Hierarchical Condition Coding (HCC)

Introduction | Depression coding in HCC In fee-for-service medicine: Diagnosis coding establishes the medical necessity for a service. At times, it may be the reason for a denial, particularly for diagnostic tests or procedures.  Services with national or local coverage policies often have specific diagnosis codes that are required for payment. In V28 of HCC, […]

E/M Frequency Data for Dermatology

For dermatologists, revenue in the office is generated by procedures and office visits. Often, both are provided on the same day. See the dermatology section of our specialty page for articles about the use of modifiers 25, 51, and 59. Frequency distribution for new and established patients 2024 E/M data released at the end of […]

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 aren’t specialty designations for breast,  bariatrics, or trauma surgery, and those surgeons are usually enrolled using the category for general surgery. There are specialty designations for vascular surgery, plastic surgery, thoracic, and surgical oncology. The data below […]

E/M Frequency Data for Psychiatrists

CMS releases E/M frequency data annually.  A physician self-elects their specialty designation when enrolling with Medicare. This is the data for psychiatrists. The data below is from 2024 released in late 2025. Office services Psychiatry New OV  2024 99202 0.74% 99203 8.05% 99204 38.58% 99205 52.63% Established office visits  2024 99211 0.73% 99212 4.33% 99213 […]

Cerumen Removal

There are two codes for cerumen removal 69209  Removal impacted cerumen using irrigation/lavage, unilateral 69210  Removal impacted cerumen (separate procedure), 1 or both ears Key points Document the medical necessity for cerumen removal (patient’s complaints, diminished hearing, physical exam) Document the results: was the procedure successful? Whether it is a clinical staff member or practitioner […]

Removal of a Foreign Body

Integumentary 10120  Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple 10121  Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; complicated Note that incision is required. Musculoskeletal From Principles of CPT® Coding, “If fascia is penetrated and a foreign body to be removed is within the fascia, subfascia or muscle, use an anatomic-specific code in […]

Diabetes Coding in Hierarchical Condition Coding (HCC)

Diabetes is a common chronic condition, included in three distinct HCC categories Patients often have more than one chronic condition of the disease; page down for a Q&A related to how multiple conditions do–and don’t–affect the risk score CodingIntel members can download our guide to Risk Adjusted Diagnosis Coding for Medical Practices for more explanation and […]

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 classified by a variety of factors (size, method of destruction, type (pre-malignant/malignant/benign), etc.) Accurate coding is essential to accurate payment. This tip sheet was created to help you quickly locate the correct CPT® code for lesion destruction.

Coding Guide – Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy coding can be confusing because there are many codes from which to choose. This guide explains the difference between screening and diagnostic colonoscopies. It also discusses when to use HCPCS codes and CPT® codes, and specific colonoscopy modifiers. Reading the procedure report before assigning any codes is very important. Screening procedures can easily turn […]

Commonly Performed Procedures in Primary Care | Reference Sheet

These reference sheets for minor procedures include common CPT® codes, descriptions, current work and non-facility RVUs, and global days for quick reference. The first chart includes codes 10060-11443, the second 11600-17111, and the third 20550-54056.

Fracture Care Coding Fundamentals | Webinar

Webinar Postponed.
Webinar Date TBD.

Guest presenter Sarah Wiskerchen

This webinar describes the rules for reporting fracture care services using CPT® and Medicare guidelines. It covers the coding distinctions for closed, percutaneous, and open treatment of fractures, clarifies how casting, splinting, and strapping services are treated within the global surgical package, and addresses the correct use of selected modifiers and radiology and supply codes.

Critical Care for General Surgery and Trauma Surgeons

Critical care provided as a stand-alone service is based on the seriousness of the patient, the types of intervention, and time spent in direct patient care. Critical care provided by a surgeon to a patient in a global period for procedures with a 10- or 90-day global period, must also follow the rules for critical […]

Diagnosis Coding for Suspected Cancer

Diagnosis coding for possible malignancy When coding for a suspected or possible condition in the outpatient setting, follow the guidelines in Section IV. Diagnostic Coding and Reporting Guidelines for Outpatient Services.   “H. Uncertain Diagnosis Do not code diagnoses documented as “probable,” “suspected,” “questionable,” “rule out,” “compatible with,” or “working diagnosis” or other similar terms indicating […]

Modifier 25

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 service or procedure. Use this quick reference sheet to determine when to use modifier 25, and which code to append it to.

Using Modifier 33 | Quick Reference

Modifier 33 is used to identify certain screening and preventive services. This quick reference sheet addresses: when to use modifier 33, why to use it, screening colorectal cancer test, and planned screening colorectal test that converts to a diagnostic or therapeutic service.

Our mission is to provide up-to-date, simplified, citation driven resources that empower our members to gain confidence and authority in their coding role.

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.

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