AMA CPT® Assistant - 2020 Issue 7 (July)
Frequently Asked Questions (July 2020)
July 2020 pages 13-14 Frequently Asked Questions Evaluation and Management: Emergency Department Services Question: Patient presented to the emergency department with a severe nosebleed. After epistaxis control was achieved by external pressure, a cotton swab with phenylephrine was placed into each nostril, removed after several minutes, and the nose was inspected to reveal no additional bleeding. The patient was monitored, and no further care was given. What code should be reported for the packing of the cotton swab? Answer: In this scenario, the appropriate emergency department visit code (99281-99285) would be reported. The packing of a cotton swab, as...
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Article Overview
This article presents multiple coding Q&As from July 2020 that address how to think about common reporting scenarios across several specialties, including emergency department services, musculoskeletal surgery, respiratory surgery, cardiovascular procedures, digestive surgery, nervous system injections, dermatology, and physical medicine. It is useful for coders, auditors, and clinicians who need to understand the scope of related CPT guidance, unlisted procedure reporting, and when services are considered separate or included.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers determine whether a scenario falls within standard code reporting or requires a different approach, making it relevant for compliant claim preparation, audit review, and specialty coding education.
Article Sections
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July 2020 pages 13-14
Introductory publication information for the FAQ content in this issue.
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Evaluation and Management: Emergency Department Services
Emergency department reporting considerations for a nosebleed encounter and related procedural work in the context of E/M services.
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Surgery: Musculoskeletal System
Reporting considerations for hallux rigidus and hallux valgus procedures performed on the same foot.
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Surgery: Respiratory System
Coding guidance for cricopharyngeal myotomy performed in connection with a laryngectomy procedure.
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Surgery: Cardiovascular System
Reporting guidance for endovascular work involving deep venous arterialization, stenting, and related vascular services.
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Surgery: Digestive System
Discussion of reporting options for laparoscopic Meckel’s diverticulectomy and related unlisted procedures.
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Surgery: Nervous System
Injection coding considerations for medial branch and sacroiliac-related nerve block scenarios.
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Medicine: Cardiovascular
Guidance on coronary thrombectomy and revascularization reporting in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.
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Medicine: Special Dermatologic Procedures
Reporting considerations for excimer laser treatment when the condition being treated is outside the code family’s intended use.
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Medicine: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Discussion of traction-related reporting for a chiropractic roller table and use of an unlisted modality code.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames reporting questions across multiple CPT specialty sections
- Which scenarios are treated as included in broader services versus separately reportable
- When an unlisted code is discussed as the appropriate reporting approach
- How the article relates specialty-specific examples to general CPT Assistant guidance
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Physician practices
- Compliance professionals
- Clinicians involved in documentation and charge capture
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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