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| Specialty
Groups — Oncology
Medical Oncology Code Changes
ACOA Coding MinuteRemoval of Catheters of Appliances
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While CPT guidelines indicate that the insertion of an item
generally includes removal, this coding convention is intended to
apply when the insertion and removal are performed by the same
physician. For example: |
| 20660 |
Application of
cranial tongs, caliper, or stereotactic frame, including
removal (separate procedure) |
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As indicated, this code is designated as a "separate
procedure." Therefore, when the application of a stereotactic frame
is performed as a component of a larger procedure, such as
radiosurgery, it would not be separately reported. Also, both
the application and the removal are considered to be reimbursement
in a single payment.
However, there may
be situations where the radiation oncologist performs the removal
service that would normally be considered integral to the insertion
or application of the device by the neurosurgeon, breast surgeon,
etc. There are limited existing codes available for these removal
services. For example: |
| 20665 |
Removal of tongs or halo applied by another
physician |
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If the radiation
oncologist performs a separately identifiable service that is not
defined by an existing CPT procedure code, it is possible to report
an unlisted code, provide documentation and request reimbursement.
For example, the removal of a MammoSite®
catheter may be assigned the following procedure code: |
| 19499 |
Unlisted procedure, breast |
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Last, always remember that regardless of the code
reported, individual payor guidelines will determine the
reimbursement, if any, for a removal service. |
Watch for more 2005
coding changes in the upcoming months. Review previous Coding and
Reimbursement Updates from the
Academy's Website.
This Coding and
Reimbursement Update was prepared by:
Cindy C. Parman, CPC, CPC-H
Coding Strategies, Inc.
Phone: (877) 6CODING
Fax: (770) 445-0407
Cindy.Parman@codingstrategies.com
www.codingstrategies.com
Cindy
C. Parman, CPC, CPC-H
principal and co-founder of Coding Strategies, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. Cindy
is a current member of the Advisory Board for the American Academy of
Professional Coders (AAPC) and a faculty instructor for AMA Solutions, a
subsidiary of the American Medical Association. She serves as the Consulting
Editor of the Radiology Coding Alert
and is on the Editorial Advisory Board of
General Surgery Coding Alert and
Pain Management Coding Alert.
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