2024 Gastroenterology Reimbursement and Coding Update | November 2023-07 - Best Practices in Coding for Ancillary Services

07 - Best Practices in Coding for Ancillary Services_Mueller

Pdf Summary

In this document, Best Practices in Coding for Ancillary Services: Anesthesia, Pathology, and Other Services, the presenter, Kathleen A. Mueller, outlines the appropriate documentation and coding guidelines for various ancillary services such as diagnostic studies, infusion services, pathology services, anesthesia services, and dietitian/nutrition services.<br /><br />For diagnostic studies, the presenter emphasizes the importance of documenting the name and location of the facility, patient information (name, DOB, MRN), referring and ordering providers, test dates, medication dosage, description of findings, impression and recommendations, and interpretation date and signature of the physician.<br /><br />For infusions, the presenter highlights the need to document the facility name, date of service, patient information, diagnosis/chief complaint, ordering and supervising physicians, medication details (name, dosage, strength), units given and discarded, injection/IV placement site, start and stop times, and signatures of clinical staff providers.<br /><br />In pathology services, the presenter discusses the documentation requirements for pathology reports, which include the name and location of the facility, patient information, dates specimen obtained, received, and processed, ordering and referring physicians, clinical history, specimen location, indications for stains, microscopic description, size and margins, and diagnosis section.<br /><br />Regarding anesthesia services, the presenter highlights the need for documentation of facility name, date of service, patient information and diagnosis, pre-anesthesia risk assessment, specific procedure performed, reason/findings during the procedure, physical status/ASA Class, type of anesthesia provided, patient position, start and end times, discontinuous time, and provider names and signatures.<br /><br />Lastly, for dietitian/nutrition services, the presenter mentions the applicable CPT codes for medical nutrition therapy and states that these services can be performed by registered dietitians under their NPI numbers. It is noted that Medicare only recognizes these codes for diabetes and renal disease, while commercial insurers may have different coverage policies.<br /><br />Overall, the presenter provides valuable insights into the best practices for coding and documentation in various ancillary services, ensuring accurate and compliant billing.

Keywords

Best Practices in Coding for Ancillary Services

Anesthesia

Pathology

Diagnostic Studies

Infusion Services

Dietitian/Nutrition Services

Documentation Guidelines

Coding Guidelines

Ancillary Services

Kathleen A. Mueller