12, 24, and 48 hour services all play a part in this coding shake-up.
Cardiology codes keep on changing, trying to keep pace with technology and existing practice. That's why; Holter monitor codes saw big changes this year. Read this article and get an expert cardiology coding insight on what you should know.
Dynamic electrocardiography (ECG), also termed as Holter monitoring, includes ECG recording, generally over 24 hours. The objective is to get hold of and analyze a record of the patient's ECG activity all through a typical day.
The medical record generally will include the reason for the test, also the copies of ECG strips depicting abnormalities or symptomatic episodes, the patient's diary of symptoms, statistics meant for abnormal episodes, the physician's interpretation, as well as documentation of recording times.
Be Aware of Your Newly Reduced Cardiology Coding Options
In 2010, you selected among the following code series for these services:
Cardiology codes keep on changing, trying to keep pace with technology and existing practice. That's why; Holter monitor codes saw big changes this year. Read this article and get an expert cardiology coding insight on what you should know.
Dynamic electrocardiography (ECG), also termed as Holter monitoring, includes ECG recording, generally over 24 hours. The objective is to get hold of and analyze a record of the patient's ECG activity all through a typical day.
The medical record generally will include the reason for the test, also the copies of ECG strips depicting abnormalities or symptomatic episodes, the patient's diary of symptoms, statistics meant for abnormal episodes, the physician's interpretation, as well as documentation of recording times.
Be Aware of Your Newly Reduced Cardiology Coding Options
In 2010, you selected among the following code series for these services:
In 2011, your coding options have certainly changed. A new note in 93229 informs you that "93230-93237 have been deleted. In order to report external electrocardiographic rhythm derived monitoring for up to 48 hours, see 93224-93227."
Result: The definitions of 93224-93227 now start with: "External electrocardiographic recording up toa period of 48 hours by incessant rhythm recording and storage " You can see yourself that one of the foremost changes to 93224-93227 is that they now on the record refer to "up to 48 hours" in place of "24 hours."
Stay in the Comfort Zone
Now that you got the broad outline, dive into the detailed services described by these codes, evaluating how to report 2010 and 2011 services.
Earlier, in 2010, you were using 93224-93227 for services associated with specially trained technicians visually scanning patient waveforms created by the monitor. The technicians used to compare these waveforms to a normal waveform in order to identify discrepancies. Codes 93224-93227 varied depending on whether they represented the global service or dissimilar components of the service:
Result: The definitions of 93224-93227 now start with: "External electrocardiographic recording up toa period of 48 hours by incessant rhythm recording and storage " You can see yourself that one of the foremost changes to 93224-93227 is that they now on the record refer to "up to 48 hours" in place of "24 hours."
Stay in the Comfort Zone
Now that you got the broad outline, dive into the detailed services described by these codes, evaluating how to report 2010 and 2011 services.
Earlier, in 2010, you were using 93224-93227 for services associated with specially trained technicians visually scanning patient waveforms created by the monitor. The technicians used to compare these waveforms to a normal waveform in order to identify discrepancies. Codes 93224-93227 varied depending on whether they represented the global service or dissimilar components of the service:
Thus, codes 93225-93227 stood for dissimilar components of the work related to the Holter monitor service. After your physician group furnished all three of these listed services, you reported 93224.
Want to have more expert tips like this and latest cardiology billing and coding updates? Click here to read the entire article and to get access to our monthly Cardiology Coding Alert: Your practical adviser for ethically optimizing cardiology billing and coding, payment and efficiency in cardiology practices. With Cardiology Coding Alert, you get the updated cardiology -specific coding and Medical billing information delivered to you every month
Want to have more expert tips like this and latest cardiology billing and coding updates? Click here to read the entire article and to get access to our monthly Cardiology Coding Alert: Your practical adviser for ethically optimizing cardiology billing and coding, payment and efficiency in cardiology practices. With Cardiology Coding Alert, you get the updated cardiology -specific coding and Medical billing information delivered to you every month
About the Editor: Deborah Dorton, JD, MA, CPC, CHONC, concentrates on radiology and Cardiology Coding and compliance- including the tricky world of interventional procedures - as well as oncology and hematology. Since joining The Coding Institute in 2004, she's also covered the ins and outs of coding for orthopedics, audiology, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and more. Deborah received her Certified Professional Coder® (CPC™ certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) in 2004 and her Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder™ (CHONC™) credential in 2010.
