Plus, don't mix new compression codes with manipulation.
Certain CPT® codes 2012 that sidestepped Correct Coding
Initiative (CCI) edit pairs in January are all bundled up as of April 1, 2012.
That implies that you'll be required using caution while billing certain
vascular injection and blood vessel repair codes together. Read on to learn
other changes that general surgery coders need to know.
Avoid 36251 with 35231 and Beyond
CCI 18.1 adds almost 50 edit pairs with the following listed
blood vessel repair CPT® codes 2012 in the column 2 position:
35231 -- (Repair
blood vessel with vein graft; neck)
35236 -- (upper
extremity)
35256 -- (lower
extremity)
35261 -- (Repair
blood vessel with graft other than vein; neck)
35266 -(upper
extremity)
35286 --(lower
extremity)
Based on "CPT Manual or CMS manual coding
instructions," as per the CCI edit table, you shouldn't report the
preceding codes with the following new CPT® codes 2012 for the same vessel:
36251-36254 -
(Selective/superselective catheter placement %u2026)
37191-37193 -
(Insertion/repositioning/retrieval of intravascular vena cava filter %u2026)
Nix Compression With Manipulation
CPT® 2012 added three novel multi-layer compression system
ul
li29582 -- (Application of multi-layer compression system;
thigh and leg, including ankle and foot, when performed)
li29583 -- (Application of multi-layer compression system;
upper arm and forearm)
li29584 -- (Application of multi-layer compression system;
upper arm, forearm, hand, and fingers)
/ul
bLook for Streamlined Edit Groupings /b br
There's a twist in the way this newest round of edits is
organized that could make things stress-free for you. br
bThat was then: /b Since 1996, CMS has allocated
procedure-to-procedure CCI Edits either to the Column One/Column Two Correct Coding edit file or the
Mutually Exclusive edit file based on the condition for each edit. The Mutually
Exclusive edit file covered edits including two procedures that could not be
executed at the same patient encounter as they were mutually exclusive based on
anatomic, temporal, or gender considerations. CMS then assigned all other edits
to the Column One/Column Two Correct Coding edit file.
This is now: With the April 2012 release, CMS combines the
two edit files into the Column One/Column Two Correct Coding edit file. CMS
executed the consolidation both for the Physician CCI edit files and the
Hospital (also known as theOutpatient Code Editor or OCE) edit files. The
change should definitely make it easier for users, as now you'll only have to
search the Column One/Column Two edit file for active or formerly deleted
edits.
