Q: What about the digital medicine changes?
A: We did not cover these in the presentation but check out the new virtual reality codes in your CPT book – codes 0770T, 0771T-0774T. Appendix T, for audio only services is also new; it was released in April of 2022. These services are now indicated by the new ‘speaker’ symbol in the CPT book.
Q: What if the surgeon does not document the size of the hernia defect?
A: Our recommendation would be to query the provider. This change is something to notify your providers of so that they know how the size affects code selection.
Hernia measurements are performed either in the transverse or craniocaudal dimension. The total length of the defect(s) corresponds to the maximum width or height of an oval drawn to encircle the outer perimeter of all repaired defects. If the defects are not contiguous and are separated by greater than or equal to 10 cm of intact fascia, total defect size is the sum of each defect measured individually.
Q: So, for post-op pain blocks (e.g., 64415-64417), the imaging is now bundled?
A: Correct. Do not report image guidance, such as 76942, 77002, 77003 separately.
Shea Lunt, RHIA, CPC, CPMA, PMP
Consultant
Shea is a consultant for The Haugen Consulting Group with 11 years of health care industry experience. Shea has experience working on the professional fee side of coding, auditing, education and compliance serving coders and physicians.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in health information management and a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Kansas. Shea is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
Shea, her husband, and their daughters, call the wide-open spaces of central Kansas home.
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