We have been getting numerous questions on EMG/NCS as to how to count specific nerves or how to code NCS with correct CPT 2013 codes, why our EMG codes are getting denied when billed with NCS codes, etc etc. This is an attempt to demystify all the coding and billing quandaries. AMA made changes to NCS codes as of Jan 1st 2013 and the new codes 95907-95913 replaced the old CPT codes 95900, 95903 and 95904. Per CPT 2013, a single conduction study is defined as a sensory conduction test, a … [Read more...]
How To Correctly Code New EMG Codes ?
In the past few days we received a lot of queries regarding EMG denials and new EMG codes so we decided to write a blog article on this topic. Hope our readers will find it useful. As of January 1st 2012, AMA has introduced 3 new EMG codes to be used in place of previous EMG codes (95860-95864, 95867-95870) when NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) testing and EMG are performed together on the same date of service on the same patient. It is very important to bill the claims correctly if EMG … [Read more...]
How To Correctly Code Your EMG Studies To Maximize Your Reimbursement?
Needle EMG is the recording and study of electrical activity of muscles using a needle electrode. Neurologists use EMGs to test the electrical activity of a skeletal muscle to provide a medical diagnosis on a patient. Although these are common procedures but coding them incorrectly can not only cause billing problems but often lead to audits. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlines clearly its recommendations for EMG billing in the Federal Register (issue of October … [Read more...]
Changes in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring CPT codes and their Effect on Insurance Reimbursements
Have you seen a decline in your Intraoperative Neuromonitoring insurance reimbursements lately? Are you seeing more and more payersdenying your claims stating procedure was not medically necessary or procedure was experimental. Ever thought why - The answer to your question is changes in the medical policies and guidelines. Every Payer has their own clinical policies and they keep revising it from time to time. Recently AMA (American Medical Association) stated, beginning January 1st 2012, … [Read more...]
How To Correctly Bill Nerve Conduction Studies?
A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a neurological test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body. The nerve conduction test provides physicians with information about the functioning of the peripheral nerves including both the type of dysfunction and the likely location of its cause. It is used to help diagnose various diseases that impact the nerves. Coding and billing these procedures incorrectly … [Read more...]
Correct Way to Code and Bill Brain Mapping
Surgically removing brain tumors adjacent to "eloquent" or functional regions of the brain poses significant risks for causing neurological impairments. Brain Mapping is performed for such eloquent cortex identification or to determine where the motor/sensory transition exists. CPT 95961( Functional cortical and subcortical mapping by stimulation and/or recording of electrodes on brain surface, or depth electrodes, to provoke seizures or identify vital brain structures; initial hour of physician … [Read more...]