October 14, 2021 Question: Is there a code for smell testing that incorporates olfactory threshold and identification? Answer: Unfortunately, no. You’ll need to use an unlisted code such as 92700. *This response is based on the best information available as of 10/14/21.
September 30, 2021 Question: My ENT doctor ordered an audiogram to be done by our audiologist. The doctor billed for the audiogram to a non-Medicare payor because the audiologist is not credentialled with that payor. Can my doctor “get credit” for ordering and reviewing the audiogram when he chooses the E/M code level? What happens...
September 16, 2021 Question: One of our doctors saw a patient and billed 31231 (nasal endoscopy). The doctor did not document that a topical vasoconstrictive agent was applied. Does the topical anesthesia need to be applied to bill 31231? If topical anesthesia is required and was not used, would modifier 52 (reduced services) need to...
September 2, 2021 Question: We did a septoplasty and repair of nasal vestibular stenosis with spreader grafts using septal cartilage. We billed these codes: 30465, 30520 and 20912. Medicare does not bundle any of these codes. So why did we not get paid on 20912? Should we have used modifier 59 or XS on 20912...
August 19, 2021 Question: I’m trying to figure out when I can bill for both a direct laryngoscopy and a bronchoscopy. It seems very confusing so I would appreciate it if you could help. Answer: Sure! CPT 31622 (diagnostic bronchoscopy) may be separately reported when both of these criteria are met: 1) a separate piece...
August 5, 2021 Question: I would like to know if there is a CPT code for parathyroid imaging. I use it during surgery for my thyroidectomy cases. Answer: Actually, intraoperative imaging is not separately billable for the surgeon. Therefore, this activity is included in your surgical procedure code. *This response is based on the best...
July 22, 2021 Question: We billed 31600 for a tracheostomy along with 41140 (total glossectomy). CPT 31600 was denied. How can we appeal? Answer: Good question, however, the denial was appropriate. CPT guidelines say that a tracheostomy is included in the glossectomy codes 41140 – 41155 as these procedures would not be performed without a...
July 8, 2021 Question: Are CPT 30140 (submucous resection inferior turbinate) and 31254 (endoscopic anterior ethmoidectomy) bundled with code 62165 (Neuroendoscopy, intracranial; with excision of pituitary tumor, transnasal or trans-sphenoidal approach)? I checked Medicare and there are no CCI edits so that seems that I can bill these codes together. The diagnosis code I billed...
June 24, 2021 Question: What is the CPT code for flexible laryngoscopy performed in the OR under anesthesia? Answer: Right now we have only 31575 for this procedure. If you are referring to a drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), be on the lookout for a code in 2022! *This response is based on the best...
June 10, 2021 Question: My physician is utilizing an open laceration on the patients chin for open reduction of a mandibular symphysis fracture. He wants to also charge for complex laceration repair for that laceration. Is this billable or is it part of the ORIF code? Answer: If the fracture is repaired through the laceration...
