Healthcare News: 2019 NCCI update impacts billing and coding for spinal procedures, laboratory testing

Why This Topic Matters

The article matters because NCCI policy updates can change how related procedures and laboratory services are reported in Medicare claims. Understanding the scope of the revised guidance helps billing and coding teams recognize which areas of the manual were updated and where further review of the premium content may be needed.

Article Sections

1. NCCI Policy Manual update overview

   Introduces the 2019 CMS NCCI Policy Manual updates and identifies the general service areas affected by the revisions.

2. Chapter 4: Spinal procedures

   Covers manual guidance related to spinal arthrodesis reporting, including section-level clarification and procedure-to-procedure edit updates.

3. Chapter 10: Pathology and laboratory services

   Summarizes revised guidance for molecular pathology and laboratory reporting, including service categories addressed in the manual update.

4. Medically unlikely edits and reconsideration process

   Notes that the manual includes section-specific examples and references to MUE-related guidance and the reconsideration process.