DecisionHealth, DecisionHealth - 2004 Issue 2 (February)
Codes exist for virtual colonoscopy and online E/Ms, but now find someone to pay for them
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article is a coverage-oriented coding update for gastroenterology, radiology, and evaluation and management reporting. It explains newly available AMA Category III reporting options for virtual colonoscopy and online patient communications, and it discusses the early reimbursement and pre-authorization environment surrounding these services. It is useful for coders, billers, practice managers, and clinicians trying to understand how payers were handling these services at the time.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers identify whether the article addresses new reporting options, payer coverage issues, and related billing considerations for emerging technologies and electronic patient encounters.
Article Sections
-
New Category III codes and initial coverage status
Introduces the new AMA Category III reporting options discussed in the article and notes the early Medicare coverage environment. Covers the general service categories addressed by the update.
-
Virtual colonoscopy reporting and payer handling
Summarizes the article’s discussion of virtual colonoscopy billing, related imaging reporting issues, and early payer authorization concerns. Also notes the specialty context in which the service was being billed.
-
Online evaluation and management services
Reviews the new online patient-communication reporting category and the article’s discussion of how the service was characterized by AMA and CMS. It also addresses the general reimbursement environment for these encounters.
What You Will Learn
- Which broad types of services were newly reportable under AMA Category III coding
- How the article frames early Medicare and commercial payer interest in these services
- What general billing and authorization issues were being raised for virtual colonoscopy and online patient encounters
- How the article situates these services within gastroenterology, radiology, and E/M reporting
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Practice managers
- Gastroenterology practices
- Radiology practices
- Clinicians using electronic patient communication
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com