Neurosurgery

ICD-10 update: CMS will not perform end-to-end tests of ICD-10-CM and PCS fee-for-service (FFS) claims with providers before the conversion deadline of Oct. 1, 2014. Yes, you read that correctly. According to CMS, end-to-end testing was already performed when its 5010 data standard was implemented last year, and ICD-10-CM and PCS are code sets rather than mechanisms to manage the data. That means providers and payers are on their own for the most part to make sure ICD-10 codes will be reportable and payable. While CMS is doing internal testing, it won't be providing much support to providers. Not only does [...]

How do the new codes for neurophysiologic studies performed during surgical procedures affect you? Updates in Neurosurgery coding and billing include: Confirm Chronicity For Nontraumatic Subdural Hemorrhage Pinpoint site to accurately report contusions of head in ICD-10 Changes to the CPT language for analysis and programming of Neurostimulators Clarifications on the use of needle aspiration of bone marrow for bone grafting New code for pre-sacral spinal arthrodesis Changes to the percutaneous sacral nerve codes New codes for angiography that may impact surgeons doing endovascular treatment [space height="10"] These are just two of the thousands of Neurosurgery coding updates to be aware [...]

With the expansion of ICD-10-CM codes from 18,000 to 68,000, the level of increased detail is staggering. One example of the changes specific to Neurosurgery billing and coding includes that pertaining non-remitting backache, a common complaint for neurosurgical patients. Understanding how to report these diagnoses in ICD-10 is especially important, specifying right or left side when reporting lumbago and sciatica. There is much more to learn that can help you and your medical practice billing and coding make the full transition. This is a critical time to evaluate where you are in your preparations for ICD-10 prior to implementation by Oct. [...]