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20610 (multiple units and location) and Depo medrol and labs (89051/89060)

Hi all,

I’ve asked the questions in a few different places on here and thought it would be better if all together to show the true picture. I’ve read all of the AAPC articles on the subject of 20610, so I’m familiar with when in diff joint etc, but there’s some confusion on joint and bursa in same general area. I’ve also read multiple threads on here and no absolute answer that I can locate.

Have a Dr billing insurance 20610 x 8 and J1040 x 8, as well as 89051 x4 and 89060 x4.

Here’s a breakdown of one of the scenarios:
Injection/Asp into RT shoulder w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into LT shoulder w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into RT subacromial bursa w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into LT subacromial bursa w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into RT hip w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into LT hip w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into RT trochanteric bursa w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Injection/Asp into LT trochanteric bursa w/ 45mg of NDC 00009028003
Performs synovial fluid analysis for all areas mentioned with wbc provided and no crystals shown.

Questions:
1) Since bursae and shoulder/hip joints are technically different, does the above look correct? Or are they close enough to the joint that you only get the code (20610) once per joint space? CPT wording makes it look like you can get joint AND bursa, so I want to make sure that’s correct.
2) The NDC provided is for J1030, so should it actually be J1030 x9 instead of J1040 x 8?
3) Does 89051 x 4 and 89060 x 4 seem appropriate/accurate if notating wbc’s count and no crystals? (E.G. "LT hip: 5000 wbc and no crystals") Is this notation suffice?

Thank you all SO MUCH for any insight.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

ASA base units for 00811 and 00812 for commercial payers

Can the ASA base units for 00811 and 00812 be raised to 5 units for commercial payers?

Per Anesthesia Guidelines on pg. xi in the RTV guide states

Any procedure around the head, neck, or shoulder girdle, requiring field avoidance, or any procedure requiring a position other than supine or lithotomy, has a minimum Base Value of 5 regardless of any lesser base value assigned to such procedure in the body of the Relative Value Guide.

Thanks!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Multiple Units of 88341

So I got an account with 19 units of 88341. I went to the MUE and allowing 9 to be billed and others are needing a modifier. I am not sure which modifier to use. I think it would be -91 because it was the same lab testing on multiple units. Payer is Medicare; they will allow 9 of them but the other 10 need modifier or we have to adjust them off. Any help would be appreciated.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

NOC or unlisted CPT/HCPCS codes and units – Medicare Regulations

Hi Team,

The physician is has given units for HCPCS code J3490 since he injections at two different anatomical sites. But the insurance has denied units applied with J3490. Please confirm if any Medicare regulation sites or reference saying units are not accepted for unlisted or NOC CPT/HCPCS codes. TIA

Thanks,
SG

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Reimbursement issue regarding 26145 and exceeding the MEU of 6 by 3 units

Hello,

Reimbursement issue regarding 26145 and exceeding the MEU of 6 by 3 units.

Scenario:

Provider bills 26145 x 9, exceeding the MUEs by 3 and states in the Op report that a "copious amount of hypertrophic tenosynovium was noted on the nine flexor tendons in the palm and a careful and sharp tenosynovectmoy of the nine tendons in the palm was then performed," would this statement satisfy MAI 3 requirement?

If so, why?

if not, why not?

if I could get a link to support either decision, this would be extremely helpful.

Thank you!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Reporting Anesthesia Time Units

Payment for anesthesia services increases with time. Per national Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) chapter 2 guidelines, anesthesia time: …is defined as the period during which an anesthesia practitioner is present with the patient. It starts when the anesthesia practitioner begins to prepare the patient for anesthesia services in the operating room or an equivalent area […]
AAPC Knowledge Center

Getting paid for units for 26356 25260

I submitted a claim to MN Medical Assistance for tendon repair. He repaired multiple tendons in the forearm and hand. I submitted 26356 with 3 units (MUE is 4) and 25260 with 3 units (MUE is 9). MN MA only paid for one unit for each. When I called them they said they only allow one unit for each. Period. I said no way the description says each tendon. Nope we only allow one unit. I asked if I can resubmit on multiple lines and she said won’t make a difference. So do I call and try to get a different representative who might be a little more helpful or has anyone else experienced this. The physician is going to want proof of some sort why they will only pay for one unit. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Deb

Medical Billing and Coding Forum