Complexity of Neurosurgical Codes
According to John Kevin Ratliff, MD, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, neurosurgical physicians work in an environment where innovations occur at a frenzied pace in neurosurgical technology and process techniques.
In such a situation, it is very difficult for the busy neurosurgical physician to be aware of the on-going changes in codes and related modifiers. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), continued utilization of deleted codes instead of active codes, is the major cause of coding error. Further, coding of neurosurgical procedures is more complex than performing an open surgery operation, according to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Statistical Revelations
According to AANS, only 43% of neurological practices in the US utilize certified professional coders.
A survey conducted under the control of American Rhinologic Society (ARS) and North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) has revealed a wide variation of 34% in neurosurgical coding processes.
Coding Challenges Faced by Neurological Surgeons
There are many, and some of them are:
- Wide range of codes and modifiers.
- Selection of wrong codes and modifiers.
- Selection of inappropriate code for principal diagnosis.
- Failure to select codes based on method of performance and level of contact.
The Way Out of this Impasse
Some of the important measures are:
- Avoid patient medication record (PMR) coding errors.
- Understand and keep in touch with the latest International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedure Technology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes.
- Bundling of codes: Be up-to-date with the neurosurgical-specific changes that have been implemented. Some of the examples are:
-New bundled codes
-Whole new families of codes for certain procedures.
- Be aware of the latest guidelines on what codes can be used where.
- Choose the specific code based on method of performance and level of contact.
- Use the correct primary and secondary diagnosis codes.
Perplexed by the Complexities ?
Do not worry. Relax and out-source or “Right Source” your neurosurgical-specific coding and billing worries to BillingParadise, so that you can relish your practice. We at BillingParadise have a network of seasoned and certified neurosurgical professional coders to deal with the intricacies of neurosurgical coding.
