Laureen shows you her proprietary “Bubbling and Highlighting Technique”
Download your Free copy of my "Medical Coding From Home Ebook" at the top right corner of this page
Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
Medicare has that routine foot care policy that does not allow the billing of B35.1 without an underlying condition, however, what if the fungus is in the finger nails? What diagnosis codes are you billing to report the fingers rather than the toes. Medicare has denied E/M services when we bill with B35.1. Very frustrating. Must we appeal with medical notes on all of these?
I would appreciate any input!
Thanks,
Tammy Alton, CPC
Physician will document for conditions that are addressed such as Neck Pain (M54.2) and Paresthesia (R20.2).
Then a Point of Care test will be done that does not have any diagnosis associated with it. For instance, note will have the two codes given then have a POC Hepatitis C Screen and POC HIV Screen done.
1. for these tests would you only put the M54.2 and R20.2 on these line items. Since this is exactly what the provider signed off on.
2. query the provider for a diagnosis for these tests.
3. coder add the screening codes for these tests.
4. other??
Pathologist Specimen: Pleura, left
Final Diagnosis
Left Pleural Fluid: Adenocarcinoma
Gross Description
The specimen consists of 30 cc of turbid fluid. Smears and cell block are prepared.
Microscopic Description
Microscopic examination performed.
One team mate states we should only code the history because it doesn’t state pleural adenocarcinoma. The other states we should code it pleural cancer since that is the specimen.
What do you guys think?
Thank you!
My understanding is that you would not use any of these additional diagnosis to level the MDM, even though for each dx the provider wants more work up done.
I’m looking for feedback on what others are doing when a provider adds additional diagnosis and how the MDM is determined.