decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2018 Issue 9 (September)
New coding guidance: Prepare for new PICC lines, neurostimulator analysis and psych evaluations in 2019
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Article Overview
This article previews proposed 2019 coding changes tied to the Medicare physician fee schedule and the 2019 CPT manual. It focuses on three areas of interest for anesthesia, pain management, and behavioral health-related practices: PICC line procedure revisions, updates to neurostimulator analysis descriptors and payment impacts, and expansion of psychological testing and neuropsychological evaluation codes. The discussion is aimed at coders, billers, clinicians, and compliance staff who need to understand upcoming code-set changes and prepare for documentation and reporting updates.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers identify upcoming code revisions and new code families that may affect workflow, reimbursement, and reporting across multiple specialties. It is especially relevant for practices that rely on accurate time reporting, device-related procedure coding, and proposed Medicare payment updates.
Article Sections
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New, revised PICC lines
Discusses proposed changes affecting PICC line procedure coding and the broader shift in how these services are represented in the 2019 code set. The section also notes reimbursement-related implications tied to the proposed updates.
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Updated neurostimulator analysis codes
Covers proposed descriptor changes for neurostimulator analysis services and summarizes the payment context described in the article. It also notes who may perform the service under the proposed language.
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Psych testing codes expand next year
Introduces the proposed expansion and restructuring of psychological testing and neuropsychological service coding. The section also points readers to time-based reporting considerations and upcoming guidance.
What You Will Learn
- Which service areas are affected by the proposed 2019 coding updates
- How the article frames upcoming PICC line, neurostimulator, and psychological testing changes
- What kinds of documentation and reporting topics practices may need to prepare for
- Which specialties are most likely to be impacted by the proposed changes
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billers and revenue cycle staff
- Compliance auditors
- Physician practices
- Anesthesia providers
- Pain management practices
- Behavioral health and neuropsychology practices
Codes Discussed
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