Category: CC-Otolaryngology

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)?

I did an intratympanic steroid injection and coded 69801 and 69433. Medicare paid 69801. Should I appeal the denial of 69433?

My doctor documents placement of Doyle splints in the nose which are sutured to the anterior septum after a septoplasty. Can I bill 31299 for this?

If I see a new patient (9920x) for an ear problem, then they come back to see me for chronic sinusitis a year later, can I bill as a new patient visit (9920x) the second time or is it an established patient (9921x)?

Does use of a tissue adhesive “count” as a layer for the laceration repair codes?

When I bill an E/M code such as, a new patient or established patient visit, do I need to append modifier 25 when I also bill for an audiogram?