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Continuous NST monitoring in the hospital setting
Continuous NST monitoring in the hospital setting

How is continuous NST monitoring billed when a patient is admitted to the hospital? Inpatient continuous fetal heart rate and/or uterine contraction monitoring is not billed as non-stress test (59025) or contraction stress test (59020). Instead, continuous monitoring is included in the... Continue Reading

Date posted08/31/2014


CPT 93975 Complete Duplex Scan
CPT 93975 Complete Duplex Scan

CPT code 93975 describes duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdomen, retroperitoneum, scrotal contents and/or pelvic organs. This code applies to a complete evaluation, and may be used whether single or multiple organs are studied. It is a "complete" study, in that all major... Continue Reading

Date posted06/30/2014


Types of Invasive Antenatal procedures which a limited ultrasound scan is included post procedure
Types of Invasive Antenatal procedures which a limited ultrasound scan is included post procedure

When an invasive antenatal procedure is performed, confirmation of the fetal heart beat or a systole post procedure is in included in the work of the procedure and should not be billed separately. Invasive Antenatal Procedures: 1. 59000 Amniocentesis; diagnostic and 76946 Ultrasonic... Continue Reading

Date posted05/31/2014


ACOG Task Force Report on Neonatal Encephalopathy and Neurologic Outcome, 2nd edition
ACOG Task Force Report on Neonatal Encephalopathy and Neurologic Outcome, 2nd edition

In the first edition of this report, the Task Force on Neonatal Encephalopathy and Cerebral Palsy outlined criteria deemed essential to establish a causal link between intrapartum hypoxic events and cerebral palsy. It is now known that there are multiple potential causal pathways that lead to... Continue Reading

Date posted03/3/2014


How to report two different types of multi-fetal reductions and their respective approach
How to report two different types of multi-fetal reductions and their respective approach

A recent question was asked on the correct way to report an Umbilical Cord Occlusion via the Radio Frequency Ablation approach”. Below you will find two examples of multi-fetal reductions, their approach and correct coding guidance for billing purposes. Types of Fetal Reductions and... Continue Reading

Date posted02/28/2014


Ultrasound Frequency and Taxonomy Codes
Ultrasound Frequency and Taxonomy Codes

Some payers have frequency guidelines related to Obstetrical ultrasound services, and will only pay for a certain number of scans per pregnancy, regardless of diagnosis and complications, provider specialty or practice tax ID. It is important to be aware of these contractual restrictions, and... Continue Reading

Date posted12/31/2013


Definition of Term Pregnancy
Definition of Term Pregnancy

ABSTRACT: In the past, the period from 3 weeks before until 2 weeks after the estimated date of delivery was considered “term,” with the expectation that neonatal outcomes from deliveries in this interval were uniform and good. Increasingly, however, research has shown that neonatal... Continue Reading

Date posted11/4/2013


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


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


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


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


"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