Correct Coding Initiative Changes
The Correct Coding Initiative version 7.3 that took effect October 1st has a total of 3,105 changes. 3,095 of these changes are comprehensive component edits and 10 are mutually exclusive code edits. The specialties most affected are anesthesiology, urology, and cardiovascular surgery.
In anesthesiology, the edits bundle many non-invasive monitoring procedures with anesthesia codes. Most of theses edits have the “0” indicator meaning a modifier will not override the edit.
The cardiovascular section has many new edits that have a “1” indicator meaning an appropriate modifier might override the edit. For example, cardiopulmonary bypass code 33031, 33020, 33251, 33261, 33305, and 33315 are comprehensive codes that include the component code of 35226 (repair of a blood vessel, other than fistula, lower extremity).
The urinary system includes multiple edits with a “0” modifier indicator. For example, transurethral resection of the prostate procedure codes includes manipulation procedures.
The male genital system has multiple comprehensive component edits. Many of these involve the cystourethroscopy procedures.
The nervous system also saw its share of edits, many of which have the “0” modifier indicator.
There are 10 new mutually exclusive code edits. Remember that mutually exclusive code edits involve codes that cannot be coded together. If they are, Medicare pays for the lesser of the two codes.
The Correct Coding Initiative is published four times a year. When the new version comes out each quarter, the old one is obsolete. This coding tool can be very helpful when coding for Medicare and other insurance carrier. This tool is a ‘must have’ for most offices.
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