Listserv Lately 9
by Suzan Hvizdash, CPC, CRN Senior Auditor, Instructor
Two weeks on the list serve, are you kidding, I need my own newsletter. It was so hard to pick the topics for this week’s. But, that’s a good thing isn’t it?
Let’s start off with bleeding polyps. The question that started the week was whether you could bill for a polyp and the melena? Two of our experts suggested that both the 211.3 and the 578.1 be billed. However another expert explained it was in the wording of the physician. If the polyp was not the cause of the blood, bill both. And who said coding wasn’t fun?
What about using the -25 modifier when billing for injections? Should you use it? A lot of conflicting information about this has been going around. One poster found a reference pointing out that when the sole purpose of the visit is the injection, only the injection can be reimbursed. However, if chemotherapy is billed on the same day as a visit, then all the services can be reimbursed. It appears that with final answer lies in how the service was scheduled. If the visit was scheduled, performed and then an injection was administered, use the -25 modifier. Otherwise, bill only the injection. I found a great site that might help with this as well. It is: http://www.medicarenhic.com/cal_prov/med_review/modifier25_0404.htm
The above question came from a new list serve user. Welcome to CRN and to the list serve. You’ve found a home with wonderful friends, colleagues and experts (all wrapped up in one).
Another big topic this week was gathering references electronically. One person was looking for a crosswalk others were looking for electronic CPTs and ICD-9s. Two suggestions, both available at www.codingandreimbursement.net/store, were Encoder Pro and Codecorrect. Both excellent tools and great suggestions.
Another topic of interest was a colleague looking for salary rates for a Medicare coder. I think $500,000 is a good start! :-) However, don’t take my word for it. Check out www.salary.com or PAHCOM. Other organizations often have salary surveys. They might be worth a look (AAPC, AHIMA, BAMP, etc.)
Until next time,
Joining the list serve: $0
Asking questions on the list serve: $0
Advice received on the list serve: Priceless
Reading your bi-weekly CRN newsletter: $0
The value of reading your bi-weekly CRN newsletter: Priceless
Suzan