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Basics of CPT code 88305 Surgical pathology involves the gross and microscopic examination by surgical (e.g., dermatologists) and non-surgical providers (e.g., pathologists) of surgical or biopsy specimens. The practice of surgical pathology allows for definitive diagnosis of disease (or lack thereof) in cases where tissue is surgically removed from a patient. This is usually performed … Read more
Thyroid biopsy is used to find the cause of a nodule in the thyroid gland.. Thyroid gland located in neck, plays an important role in human body. The biopsy of thyroid gland helps in finding the diagnosis in thyroid gland. In Interventional radiology medical coding, CPT code for ultrasound guided biopsy of thyroid is frequently … Read more
CPT Code tunneled catheter exchange Intro Insertion of a tube beneath the skin into the blood vessels to provide medication or nutrients to patients directly into the blood stream is termed as central venous access catheters (CVAC). The catheters are divided into temporary and permanent catheters. The temporary catheters are non-tunneled and permanent catheters are … Read more
Being a Medical coder, we always face new challenges in coding ICD 10 codes. In ICD 9 diagnosis codes, we were not so much confused because of limited number of codes. For example, earlier we used to code only one code for pregnancy complication irrespective of first, second or third trimester, but ICD 10 we … Read more
Basics about CPT code 93970 & 93971 An ultrasound study is performed to evaluate veins in the extremities. For coding 93970 & 93971, a duplex scan is performed which used both B-mode and Doppler studies. A B-mode transducer is placed on the skin and real-time images of the veins are obtained. A Doppler probe within the B-mode transducer … Read more
Basics about Wound Debridement CPT codes Debridement of wound are divided into three types, Excisional, Selective and Non-selective. We are going to learn about excisional debridement first. A sharp removal of viable tissue from the wound margin or at the wound base is called as excisional debridement. The CPT codes ranging from 11042 to … Read more
Description of CPT code 99441, 99442 & 99443 Telephone E/M services are provided to a patient, parent, or guardian and do not originate from a related E/M service within the previous seven days and do not lead to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment. Telephone services are … Read more
What is Central Venous Catheter? For patients who are getting frequent injections or are under chemotherapy, the physicians recommends a central line or central venous catheter(CVCs) . CVCs are also called as venous access device. Central Venous catheter are inserted through the forearm or the chest and the tip of the catheter will lie close … Read more
Basics about modifier -27 and 25 Many times, we get multiple visit cases of same day for same patient in Emergency Department. In such scenarios, we have to use modifiers to avoid them as duplicate claims. I have already posted previously how and which modifiers are used in medical coding. We already know the most … Read more
Preventive medicine services focus on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health, well being, and to prevent disease, disability, and premature death. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE SERVICES, NEW PATIENT Initial preventive medicine services are typically well-patient examinations for new patients with code selection dependent upon the patient’s age. These services … Read more