Category: Coding

The American Medical Association has issued a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for influenza vaccine Flucelvax. The code — CPT 90674 — went into effect on August 1, 2016, for Medicare claims. However, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services states, Medicare claims processing systems will not be able to accept the new […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a change in policy regarding the use of the -JW modifier for discarded Part B drugs and biologicals. The -JW modifier identifies “Drug amount discarded/Not administered to any patient.” Effective Jan. 1, 2017, providers will be required to: use the -JW modifier for claims with […]

In an MLN Matters article published late last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) discussed the creation of modifier -CT (computed tomography services furnished using equipment that does not meet each of the attributes of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) XR-29-2013 standard). Effective for claims submitted on or after January 1, […]

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has published a free, downloadable resource that identifies oncology billing and coding updates for 2016. Topics discussed include the following: New CPT codes (99415 and 99416) Radiation oncology CPT updates New HCPCS codes (J8655, J7508 and J7503) Deleted HCPCS codes Filgrastim HCPCS updates Chemotherapy drugs (replacements) HCPCS codes […]

Proper medical coding is critical for many reasons. They include receiving proper payment for services rendered, limiting denials and maintaining compliance with payor rules. Throughout 2015, PGM Billing launched a number of practice management tools that help ensure proper coding. These tools are free to access and use, and can be shared with coworkers and […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced four changes that will be included in the January 2016 quarterly release of the edit module for clinical diagnostic laboratory services. The changes being made to the National Coverage Determinations (NCD) code lists as follows:  Addition of ICD-10-CM codes N131 and N132 to the list of […]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted its final Level II HCPCS application determinations for 2016. Level II of the HCPCS is a standardized coding system that is used primarily to identify products, supplies and services not included in the CPT-4 codes, such as ambulance services and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, […]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Medicare Learning Network podcast intended to clarify CMS’s existing policy regarding payments errors because of a failure to apply properly the co-surgeon modifier -62, when two or more surgeons of different specialties participate in one operative session and each separately submit claims to Medicare. […]

Following substantial changes to the current procedural terminology (CPT) psychiatry codes, the American Psychiatric Association updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) about coding and reimbursement for psychiatrists. The update occurred in March. If your organization performs mental health billing and coding, these FAQs may be a valuable resource to review. The following are the questions […]