New modifier became effective Jan. 1 -- here's how you'll report it.
The question of how to code a screening colonoscopy that becomes diagnostic during the course of the procedure -- and whether the patient's deductible applies -- has long puzzled some practices, but a new Medicare modifier solves that problem. Learn how modifier PT (CRC screening test converted to diagnostic test or other procedure) can solve your colonoscopy reimbursement woes.
Get to Know Modifier PT Basics
Effective Jan. 1, Medicare carriers accept new modifier PT to explain when your physician starts a screening colonoscopy that then becomes a diagnostic procedure.
"This tells the MAC contractor that the service started as a screening procedure (e.g. G0105 [Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk], G0121 [Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk]) but an abnormality was found and the procedure became diagnostic or therapeutic," says Joel V. Brill, MD, AGAF, CHCQM, American Gastroenterological Association, AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee (RUC) Advisory Committee Member.
Source URL :- http://www.supercoder.com/coding-newsletters/my-practice-management-alert/reimbursement-roundup-modifier-pt-helps-your-practice-capture-screening-turned-diagnostic-colonoscopy-pay-article
When appended to your procedure code, "the modifier will indicate to Medicare to waive the deductible for a diagnostic procedure," says Christine Ross, CPC, with Digestive Healthcare Center in Hillsborough, N.J.
Why the change? Practices needed a way to tell MACs that their procedures started out as screening services but changed to diagnostic but didn't want patients subjected to deductibles for these services. "The Affordable Care Act waives the Part B deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests that become diagnostic," CMS noted in MLN Matters article MM7012, which announced the new modifier PT (www.cms.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM7012.pdf).
Avoid Reporting G Code With Modifier PT
Once the physician indicates that the screening procedure has turned diagnostic, you'll bill only the diagnostic colonoscopy code, and not the screening code (G0104-G0106, G0120-G0121). Not only is this correct coding, but it's also the only way you can use modifier PT.
The MLN Matters article notes that modifier PT should only be appended to a CPT code in the surgical range of 10000 to 69999. Therefore, you should not append modifier PT to a G code, says Brill, who represents the American Gastroenterological Association on the CPT Editorial Panel.
The question of how to code a screening colonoscopy that becomes diagnostic during the course of the procedure -- and whether the patient's deductible applies -- has long puzzled some practices, but a new Medicare modifier solves that problem. Learn how modifier PT (CRC screening test converted to diagnostic test or other procedure) can solve your colonoscopy reimbursement woes.
Get to Know Modifier PT Basics
Effective Jan. 1, Medicare carriers accept new modifier PT to explain when your physician starts a screening colonoscopy that then becomes a diagnostic procedure.
"This tells the MAC contractor that the service started as a screening procedure (e.g. G0105 [Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual at high risk], G0121 [Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy on individual not meeting criteria for high risk]) but an abnormality was found and the procedure became diagnostic or therapeutic," says Joel V. Brill, MD, AGAF, CHCQM, American Gastroenterological Association, AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee (RUC) Advisory Committee Member.
Source URL :- http://www.supercoder.com/coding-newsletters/my-practice-management-alert/reimbursement-roundup-modifier-pt-helps-your-practice-capture-screening-turned-diagnostic-colonoscopy-pay-article
When appended to your procedure code, "the modifier will indicate to Medicare to waive the deductible for a diagnostic procedure," says Christine Ross, CPC, with Digestive Healthcare Center in Hillsborough, N.J.
Why the change? Practices needed a way to tell MACs that their procedures started out as screening services but changed to diagnostic but didn't want patients subjected to deductibles for these services. "The Affordable Care Act waives the Part B deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests that become diagnostic," CMS noted in MLN Matters article MM7012, which announced the new modifier PT (www.cms.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM7012.pdf).
Avoid Reporting G Code With Modifier PT
Once the physician indicates that the screening procedure has turned diagnostic, you'll bill only the diagnostic colonoscopy code, and not the screening code (G0104-G0106, G0120-G0121). Not only is this correct coding, but it's also the only way you can use modifier PT.
The MLN Matters article notes that modifier PT should only be appended to a CPT code in the surgical range of 10000 to 69999. Therefore, you should not append modifier PT to a G code, says Brill, who represents the American Gastroenterological Association on the CPT Editorial Panel.
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