More accurate IR coding and reimbursement starts with an improved understanding of how IR procedures are performed
We built Essentials of Interventional Radiology Coding on a simple, but profound, premise: that better IR coding starts with a strengthened understanding of how IR procedures are performed and how to pinpoint those key phrases in physician documentation.
There’s nothing simple about IR coding, of course. For example, the emergence of bundled codes was supposed to make life easier for coders. But, in fact, it presented new challenges in terms of interpreting physician documentation and then arriving at the correct bundled code. Speaking of documentation, it seems that no two physicians document an IR procedure the same way, magnifying the gray areas that make it hard to distinguish subtle differences between procedures and similar code choices.
Fully updated, this popular resource provides in-depth explanations of the “why” behind correct CPT®/HCPCS code assignments, as well as valuable guidance with interpreting physician documentation in all its variations. You don’t have to be a new coder to benefit from this book, it’s a great resource for experienced coders and even non-clinical staff who want to expand their understanding of IR coding.
Features and Benefits
Clearly and concisely, our IR coding experts cover many essential concepts, such as:
Step by step through any recently added, deleted, and revised codes for reporting IR procedures
Descriptions of IR procedures, including both diagnostic exams and therapeutic interventions, as well as vascular angiography and interventions, and how each one is performed — including subtle differences that make a big difference in how procedures are reported
Corresponding CPT®/HCPCS code descriptions and coding guidelines for each procedure; covers code assignments by both hospital (technical) and physician (professional) entities
Explanations of any applicable add-on, radiological S&I and imaging guidance codes, with guidelines for use
Critical elements in physician documentation that lead to correct code assignments
Guidance with IR coding concepts, including component, hybrid, bundled, arterial, venous, selective, non-selective and order of selectivity
Overviews of other must-know topics: diagnostic vs. therapeutic procedures, physician vs. hospital coding, Medicare payments and coding guidelines, CPT coding basics and much more
Guidance through any revisions to IR coding guidelines
Updated billing tips and expanded guidance through common problem areas
Case examples
A proven approach to effective learning and quick reference for busy professionals:
Content is organized by nonvascular and vascular IR, and then by body system and procedure type
Anatomical illustrations showing, and visually translating, common procedures and the corresponding CPT codes
At the end of each chapter, full dictated reports with highlighted key phrases that lead to the correct code assignments