In this blog article that continues our series on how to optimize radiology documentation for maximum reimbursement potential, we address the two most important questions specific to imaging guidance in interventional radiology. Imaging guidance is more and more frequently bundled with the primary interventional procedure, especially with the new CPT[i] codes proposed for 2016. It is, however, still separately billable in certain cases. Regardless of whether it is bundled or not, the radiologist’s documentation for the procedure requires certain elements that thoroughly describe the guidance methods and results. Here are the answers to the two most important questions for your radiology practice to consider.
Documentation Best Practices for Imaging Guidance in Interventional Radiology Procedures on December 8, 2015
Categories: radiology reimbursement, radiology documentation, interventional radiology, imaging guidance
How the 2016 Coding Changes will Affect Radiology Practices on November 23, 2015
The annual cycle of revising codes in the Current Procedural Terminology1 (CPT)® has been completed with the issuance of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule for 2016, and radiology is one of the areas most affected by the changes. The traditional radiology section of codes, 70010 – 79999, has 60 additions, revisions or deletions and there are even more when the Interventional Radiology (IR) surgical codes are considered.
Categories: radiology reimbursement, radiology coding, interventional radiology, MPFS, MRI
How to Document y-90 Radioembolization Cases to Maximize Reimbursement on October 17, 2014
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y-90 radioembolization article
Interventional Radiology Meets Radiation Oncology – The y-90 Story
When a physician is performing an interventional procedure valued in the range of $4,000 – $6,000 for the professional component, attention to thorough and accurate documentation is a requirement for maximal reimbursement. Each case presents its own individual set of circumstances and a well-constructed operative report will tell the story of the case step-by-step. Each artery or branch into which a catheter is placed for diagnostic imaging or intervention is assigned a separate CPT code, and so the operative report must describe with specificity each catheter placement. When these descriptions are in a logical, sequential order, certified coders say that this allows them to better understand every aspect of the case so they can then accurately identify and apply up to 45 CPT codes to maximize reimbursement for it. A descriptive evaluation of each artery supports payment of the codes that are submitted for reimbursement.
Categories: radiology reimbursement, radiology billing, physician reimbursement, radioembolization, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, y-90