January 19, 2023 Question: We have a patient with 2 commercial payers (BCBS and Cigna). A consultation code was submitted to BCBS, and they paid according to our contract. However, Cigna is refusing to process the claim since they no longer pay for consult codes. Am I allowed to change the CPT code and rebill...
Author: The Coding Coach (Coding Coach)
Global Period for Debridement
January 19, 2023 Question: I thought the global period of debridement of muscle or bone was 10 days. Is that true? Answer: The debridement codes were revised in 2011 and the global period for all codes (11042-11047) was revised to 0 days. *This response is based on the best information available as of 01/19/23. ...
E&M Coding Based on Time
January 19, 2023 Question: When choosing the level of E&M we are confused about the History and Exam. If we choose a level of E&M based on time, does this time count toward total time, or is it only time spent on MDM? Answer: When choosing a level of E&M based on time, CPT identifies...
New vs Established Patient
December 15, 2022 Question: I am a contracted physician with a group practice (Practice A) in our town. I have an opportunity to contract with another practice (Practice B) not in the same town, but near enough that my patients could see me in either location. My question has to do with the definition of...
Consultation Coding in 2023
December 15, 2022 Question: In 2023, will the level of service be determined by history, exam and medical decision making, or will this change? I have heard it is changing. Answer: Beginning January 1, 2023, consultation codes 99242-99255) for both inpatient and outpatient services will be based on medical decision making or time. However, keep...
Consultation Coding in 2023
December 15, 2022 Question: In 2023, will the level of service be determined by history, exam and medical decision making, or will this change? I have heard it is changing. Answer: Beginning January 1, 2023, consultation codes 99242-99255) for both inpatient and outpatient services will be based on medical decision making or time. However, keep...
Retinacular Repairs
December 15, 2022 Question: Our surgeon documented a repair of the patella tendon with repair of the medial retinaculum repair. The surgeon wants to code for the retinacular repairs and I can’t find a CPT code. Are you able to assist? Answer: Thanks for your inquiry. A retinacular repair is inclusive to other surgical repairs...
Consultation Coding in 2023
December 15, 2022 Question: In 2023, will the level of service be determined by history, exam and medical decision making, or will this change? I have heard it is changing. Answer: Beginning January 1, 2023, consultation codes 99242-99255) for both inpatient and outpatient services will be based on medical decision making or time. However, keep...
Consultation Coding in 2023
December 15, 2022 Question: In 2023, will the level of service be determined by history, exam and medical decision making, or will this change? I have heard it is changing. Answer: Beginning January 1, 2023, consultation codes 99242-99255) for both inpatient and outpatient services will be based on medical decision making or time. However, keep...
Debridement Coding
December 15, 2022 Question: If 10 sq. cm subcutaneous tissue is debrided from the right leg and 20 sq. cm is debrided from the left leg, is it coded as 11042 and 11042-59 or 11042 RT and 11042 LT? Answer: If debridement is performed at the same depth of tissue (all subcutaneous tissue) it is...