Category: CC-Otolaryngology

I’m getting used to ICD-10-CM! Thanks so much for teaching me about it. I do have a question though. I can’t seem to find a diagnosis code for laryngopharyngeal reflux. What do you suggest?

What reimbursement should we expect when using the global period modifiers 58, 79 and 78?

Do I have to sign each of my NP’s notes that are reported incident to?

What is the reimbursement for an assistant surgeon using modifier 80? Is the payment different for the primary and the assistant?

What’s new with the X modifiers established by Medicare? Should we be using them now?

What is an appropriate “source” for a consult? I asked at a recent non-KZA workshop and the instructors did not have an answer.

If I see a new patient and during that visit I identify the need for surgery the same day, should I append a Modifier 57 to the E/M service?

Our current billing service is using the 50 modifier when we indicate that it is a bilateral procedure for tubes and sinus procedures. However, they are doubling the amount charged when billing for tubes (69436-50) but not for the sinuses. Can you advise me of the proper way for this to be billed?

I am with Otolaryngology and one of our Physicians has done a case with a Neurosurgeon. I need some advice regarding coding. They did a transsphenoidal pituitary tumor together where our physician opened and assisted the neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon did 61548 and our physician said he did 30520, 31287-50, 31240-LT, and 30930. Please advise on the best way to bill.

A new patient only came in for an ear cleaning and I only billed for an ear cleaning (even though I do open a new chart for this patient) because there wasn’t really another diagnosis to support an E/M code. When the same patient comes back for a visit for sinusitis, do I now get to bill a new patient code (9920x)?