Medical Oncology Code Changes
ACOA Coding Minute
Removal of Catheters of Appliances
| 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: |
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| 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: |
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| 19499 | Unlisted procedure, breast |
| 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
[email protected]
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.