decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2008 Issue 4 (April)
Ask Margie
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Article Overview
This Q&A-style article reviews coding and billing guidance for surgical adjunct services, including AMA and Medicare policy perspectives on separate reporting, unlisted procedure reporting, and services performed by non-employed personnel. It is aimed at physicians, coders, and billing staff who need to understand when a service is considered part of a surgical package and when office or laboratory billing considerations may apply.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps coding and billing professionals avoid improper claims for services that may be bundled into surgery or performed by individuals whose work is not separately billable under the practice’s arrangement. It also points readers to the kinds of payer guidance and manual references that influence claim submission decisions.
Article Sections
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Don’t separately report platelet separation with surgery
Discusses a blood-processing procedure used in connection with surgery and summarizes the related AMA and Medicare guidance. It also touches on separate billing considerations for a similar product-related service.
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When sales rep places electrodes, physician may not bill stimulator
Reviews billing questions involving placement of an external bone growth stimulator when the service is performed by a device representative rather than practice staff. The section also references Medicare policy on services furnished by the physician, staff, or contractors.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames separate reporting issues for surgical adjunct services
- How payer guidance is presented for services considered part of a surgical package
- What billing considerations arise when a non-employee performs a service in the office
- Which types of official sources the article cites for coding support
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Orthopedic offices
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
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