Jo
Ann Steigerwald, RHIT, ACS-GI, ACS-OH
It seems simple, doesn’t it? You see a patient, you
report an E/M code. But it’s not so clear-cut for gastroenterology
practices. Medicare and other payers have given a big “thumbs
down” to billing E/M codes with select services. And
the OIG has identified E/M billing as a top priority for scrutiny
in 2008 so you’ve really got to know the coding rules
inside and out.
Join gastroenterology coding expert Jo Ann Steigerwald, RHIT, ACS-GI on Nov. 13 for a comprehensive look at the complexities inherent to this special area of coding – and one that comprises a significant portion of your revenue. E/M codes represent the "bread and butter" of many practices, which is why it is critical to document and code these services correctly.
Jo Ann will cover all the basics – preventive services, office visits, in- and outpatient consultations, etc. – as well as provide answers for gastro-specific questions like:
- When you can – and when you can’t – bill an E/M with a screening colonoscopy. After all, you perform some of the elements of an office visit before beginning the procedure.
- What to report when the E/M is performed the day before a screening colonscopy.
- When you may use the consultation codes when a primary care provider sends a patient to us for a screening study.
- Whether you can bill an office visit for the time you meet with the patients to go over results.
- The low down on whether the same E/M rules apply for diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies.
- Details on modifiers – find if you should use 25 or 57 when your doctors proceed with the colonscopy on the day of the visit.
