News

Check back regularly for news and updates from SMFM.

Coding : Coding Tips Coding : Coding White Papers News

New Patient, Established Patient, Office Consultation visit?
New Patient, Established Patient, Office Consultation visit?

A consultation is a type of service provided by a physician whose opinion or advice regarding Evaluation and Management (E/M) of a specific clinical problem is requested by another physician or other appropriate source. CPT consultation guidelines further define an “appropriate source”... Continue Reading

Date posted08/31/2013


Chorionic Villus Sampling
Chorionic Villus Sampling

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that detects chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, as well as a host of other genetic disorders.CVS is a diagnostic procedure which involves removing some chorionic villi cells from the placenta at the point where it attaches to the... Continue Reading

Date posted08/31/2013


How to report multiple scans performed on the same patient for the same date of service
How to report multiple scans performed on the same patient for the same date of service

Multiple scans may be billed on the same patient for the same date of service, as long as they are medically necessary and documented appropriately. Below are some examples on how to report the scans based on locations:Ultrasound performed at the office POS 11:768xx with No ModifierUltrasound... Continue Reading

Date posted07/31/2013


Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing

A variety of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis methods have been developed to test for fetal trisomies in maternal blood. These tests fall into two categories: · Random Sequencing and · Directed DNA Analysis. Random sequencing analyzes a random subset of cfDNA... Continue Reading

Date posted06/30/2013


Is 76815 "incidental" to 76821?
Is 76815 "incidental" to 76821?

Recently, a question was posed on the appropriate way to report coding combination 76821 and 76815. Some insurance companies are denying 76815 “incidental” to 76821. Does using a modifier prevent this coding combination from being denied?According to Medicare National Correct Coding... Continue Reading

Date posted04/30/2013


Inpatient Ultrasound Services provided by a Private Office located in proximity of the Hospital
Inpatient Ultrasound Services provided by a Private Office located in proximity of the Hospital

The SMFM Coding Committee frequently receives questions on the appropriate way to report and receive reimbursement when ultrasound services are provided to hospitalized patients.Global Billing-services are provided and can be billed as Global only when the practice:* owns or leases the equipment,... Continue Reading

Date posted02/6/2013


When a co-payment should be collected regardless of who and where the service was provided?
When a co-payment should be collected regardless of who and where the service was provided?

In the ever changing world of health care and overall rising costs, co-payments are no longer ONLY applied for certain specialties and are NOT always driven by Place of Service or E&M Visits. The industry has increased cost shifting from insurance plan to patient creating a more self-pay... Continue Reading

Date posted01/31/2013


Ultrasound Code 76811
Ultrasound Code 76811

The CPT 76811 (Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, real time with image documentation, fetal and maternal evaluation plus detailed fetal anatomic examination) is not intended to be the routine scan performed for all pregnancies. Rather, it is intended for a known or suspected fetal anatomic, genetic... Continue Reading

Date posted12/31/2012


Ultrasound Code 76811 - Revised
Ultrasound Code 76811 - Revised

Dear Members, and Coders:It is felt by all organizations involved in the codes development and description that only one medically indicated CPT 76811 per pregnancy, per practice is appropriate. Download the PDF Continue Reading

Date posted05/31/2012


Utilizing Nurse Practitioners
Utilizing Nurse Practitioners

Several members have approached the SMFM and inquired about the options for billing for services performed by a Nurse Practitioner.The way you report the service depends on how the payers have the Nurse Practitioner credentialed. When billing for a Non‐Physician Provider (NPP), you have the... Continue Reading

Date posted05/31/2012


"Radiology Bundling Rule Reimbursement Reduction" for Obstetrical Ultrasound Studies
"Radiology Bundling Rule Reimbursement Reduction" for Obstetrical Ultrasound Studies

This White Paper will deal with the “Radiology Bundling Rule” (RBR) to provide the SMFM Coding Committees recommendations for the optimal reporting and obtaining proper reimbursement for multiple obstetrical ultrasounds performed on the same day with special focus on avoiding second... Continue Reading

Date posted02/29/2012


Taxonomy Codes
Taxonomy Codes

Dear Members, and Coders,The purpose of this White Paper is to advise members of the definition of a Taxonomy Code, clarification of 'specialty'and 'sub-specialty'and proper usage. Download the PDF Continue Reading

Date posted01/19/2012