Several new codes will replace long time spinal biomechanical device code 22851. The new codes are more specific regarding the type and location of the biomechanical devices. 22853 – Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in…
Influenza codes received a makeover with this year’s CPT update. The codes are no longer classified based on age. The descriptions of these codes now reflect dosage amounts. Codes now state “becomes 0.25 mL dosage” in place of “when administered to children 6-35 months of age” and “becomes 0.5 mL dosage” in place of “when…
Physical and occupational therapy codes received a major overhaul with this year’s CPT update. Codes have been expanded to take into account the overall evaluation complexity. The new codes incorporate a tiered level of complexity for physical and occupational therapy as well as athletic training evaluations. These new codes also require a substantial increase in…
There are 8 new CPT codes to reflect epidural spinal injections. These new codes are classified by both anatomy and whether imaging guidance was used and replace codes 62310 – 62319. 62320 – Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement,…
Bunionectomy codes underwent expansion and revision in this year’s CPT update. Two new codes were added to reflect more accurate procedural options as well as many revisions to the technical descriptions of existing bunion correction codes. 28291 – Hallux rigidus correction with cheilectomy, debridement and capsular release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint; with implant 28295…
The most significant changes this year for diagnostic and interventional radiology involve mammography bundling, ultrasound screenings for AAA, and fluoroscopy services. Fluoroscopy codes 77002-77003 are now subject to the global period concept and are designated add-on codes. Mammography services now include computer – aided detection (CAD), which eliminated the add-on codes reported in previous years.…
At the end of the day, contracting in this day of pay–for–performance and adding value to the relationship is about the bottom line. What is the bottom line? The Spend! In most states, including Colorado, the commercial health plans have to tell the state what their premiums are. Their premiums come from their estimate as to…
Transition Information On March 1, 2017, Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) will assume fiscal agent operations on behalf of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). These operations include the transition to the Colorado interChange (a new claims payment system) and a new provider Web Portal. You must be enrolled in…
The medical establishment is praising the appointment of Tom Price, MD, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. That enthusiasm is not shared by women’s health advocates and some Democrats in Congress. President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Rep. Tom Price, (R-GA), an orthopedic surgeon and avowed opponent of Obamacare, was greeted with high…
With just over a week before it was scheduled to take effect, a federal judge blocked the implementation of an Obama administration overtime pay rule that would have extended overtime eligibility to some 4 million Americans. The Labor Department’s sweeping overhaul to the overtime rule required employers to pay time-and-a-half to their employees who worked…