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why is medicare denying 92250 with 52 modofier on a 92012 visit

by Dejah Maggio II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Why CPT modifier 50 should not be used with CPT code 92250?

Why? ANSWER: In the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB), fundus photography (CPT code 92250) is designated as a Bilateral Indicator 2 code, which means that payment is already based upon it being performed bilaterally. Therefore, CPT modifier 50 should not be submitted with CPT code 92250.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT code 92225?

Using Baltimore as an example, in 2019, Medicare’s pay­ment for CPT codes 92225 and 92226 was $29.87 and $27.63 per eye, respec­tively. By contrast, in the same city, CPT code 92201 has an allowable of $27.21 for both eyes, and CPT code 92202’s bilateral allowable is $17.21. Modifiers. There is no need to ap­pend modifiers –RT, –LT, –50, or –52.

What does modifier 52 mean in healthcare?

• with evaluation and management (E/M) encounters. Although some payers may allow this, but some like Medicare does not. Modifier 52 is being used by different payers differently. Some may apply a standardized percentage reduction in service like United Health care pays 50%. While some others may not recognize this modifier at all.

What does-59 to 92250 mean in coding coach?

Coding Coach indicates there are limited clinical conditions that allow this combo by adding -59 to 92250. What are these? Where might I find literature/documentation stating these rules and the explanation? Thanks! Click to expand... You might want to check with your insurance carrier to determine whether they will accept these codes.

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Does CPT code 92250 need a modifier?

CPT codes 92250 and 92228 describe services that are performed bilaterally. Modifier 50 is never appropriate with these codes.

Does Medicare cover CPT code 92250?

A Yes. According to Medicare's National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), 92250 is bundled with ICG (92240) and mutually exclusive with scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging of the posterior segment (92133 or 92134).

Does Medicare recognize modifier 52?

Modifier -52 (reduced services) must not be used with an evaluation and management service. Medicare does not recognize modifier -52 for this purpose. If modifier 52 is used on an E&M service code, the code will be rejected.

Is 92012 covered by Medicare?

These have always been statutorily non-covered services. It's all in the medicare manual.

What modifier is used with 92250?

MODIFIER 52 AS APPLIED TO DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CPT code 92250 does not contain the unilateral or bilateral descriptor, and payment is based on both sides being tested. Thus, if only one side is tested, this is considered a reduced service.

Is 92250 a bilateral code?

CPT 92250 is defined as bilateral, so reimbursement is for both eyes. The 2020 national Medicare Physician Fee Schedule allowable is $45.83.

When should modifier 52 not be used?

Modifier -52 should not be used when the full service is performed but the total fee for the service is reduced or discounted. No CPT modifier exists for a reduced fee2.

How does modifier 52 affect reimbursement for Medicare?

Modifier -52 is used to indicate partial reduction or discontinuation of radiology procedures and other services that do not require anesthesia. The modifier provides a means for reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service.

What does CPT modifier 52 mean?

reduced servicesModifier 52 This modifier is used to indicate partial reduction, cancellation or discontinuation of services for which anesthesia is not planned. The modifier provides a means for reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service.

What does CPT code 92012 mean?

92012 Ophthalmological services: medical examination and evaluation, with initiation or continuation of diagnostic and treatment program; intermediate, established patient.

Can 92014 and 92250 be billed together?

The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) does not have any bundles limiting the use of either CPT codes 92002-92014 or CPT codes 99201-99215 with the fundus photography code, so you can bill both your exam and 92250 on the same day and get paid.

How are ophthalmological services divided?

There are two levels of general ophthalmologic services, intermediate and comprehensive as described below.

Modifier 52

Under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the provider's discretion.

Appropriate Usage

Append modifier to the reduced procedure’s Current Procedural Terminology code

Supporting Documentation

Additional information to support the modifier can be written in the narrative of claim

Instructions

This modifier is used to indicate partial reduction, cancellation or discontinuation of services for which anesthesia is not planned. The modifier provides a means for reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service.

Correct Use

Facilities use this modifier to indicate discontinuance of these applicable procedures

Claim Coding Example

This bilateral procedure was performed on one eye (unilateral) only. Since the code is allowed at a bilateral rate, the provider must append modifier 52 to reduce charges. In this case, it is not appropriate to use RT or LT.

Deleted: 92225 and 92226

The deleted codes were for initial (92225) and subsequent (92226) extended oph­thalmoscopy, with “extended” indicating that the clinician had gone beyond a routine exam of the retina and had per­formed a more extensive examination of the periphery for specific conditions.

CCI Edits for the New Codes

CMS publishes pairs of codes, known as Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, that should not be billed together. Some CCI edits are known as “mutually exclusive edits,” meaning they can never be billed together. Other CCI edits can be billed together—in a process known as “unbundling”—if certain criteria are met.

Do you need a modifier for 66821?

I would think a 57 on the exam would be all you need. So unless you are in the global period for the original cataract surgery the 66821 doesn't need a modifier, if you are within the global period then you would add the 78 on the 66821.

Is 66821 a modifier?

Since the 66821 is a procedure that by description is subsequent to the extrascapular cataract surgery, and if the patient is still in the 90 global for that procedure they are looking for a 78 or 58 modifier. also you would not then be able to bill the 99214 or the 92004. Click to expand...

What is CPT 92015?

CPT 92015 describes refraction and any necessary prescription of lenses. Refraction is not separately reimbursed as part of a routine eye exam or as part of a medical examination and evaluation with treatment/diagnostic program.

What is the definition of 941.42?

941.42. Deep necrosis of underlying tissues due to burn (deep third degree) of eye (with other parts of face head and neck) without loss of body part. 941.52. Deep necrosis of underlying tissues due to burn (deep third degree) of eye (with other parts of face head and neck) with loss of a body part.

How often is glaucoma screening covered by Medicare?

Glaucoma screening for high risk Medicare beneficiaries is covered once every 12 months and should be reported with HCPCSII code. Reporting screening, preventive or refractive error services with codes 92002-92014 is misrepresentation of the service, potentially to manipulate eligibility for benefits and is fraud.

What is intermediate service?

An intermediate service requires initiation or continuation of a diagnostic or treatment plan. Follow-up of a condition that does not require diagnosis or treatment does not constitute a service reported with 92002-92014.

What does modifier 52 mean?

There can be several reasons behind the physician’s decision. In this situation, service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of the modifier 52, which indicates that the service was reduced .

What is CPT modifier 52?

CPT Modifier 52 and 53 are usually used for procedures that have been reduced or discontinued during aborted, unsuccessful or incomplete surgeries. There exists a lot of confusion between using modifier 52 or 53. One reason lies in the choice of words used to define the codes and their descriptions as well. Discontinued procedures are reduced services and reduced services could be the result of discontinuing a procedure at anytime during the ongoing intervention.

How does the insurance company reduce the normal fee?

It reduces the normal fee by the percentage of the service you did not provide. whatever the insurance company says they're going to pay you and you'll have to go through whatever appeals process they have in place for denials or reductions in claims if you want payment for your services.

Does Medicare pay 50% of fees?

Some may apply a standardized percentage reduction in service like United Health care pays 50%. While some others may not recognize this modifier at all. Medicare pay fees for services that represent the average work effort and practice expenses required to provide a service.

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