CCI 18.0 Edits Update: Latest CCI Edits Nix Anesthesia With New Neurostim Array Codes

TPI and tendon injections overrule 100+ other procedures.

Now that 2012 has arrived, it's high time to put those novel procedure and diagnosis codes to use -- and understand which ones are affected by the latest Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits. CCI 18.0 effective Jan. 1, 2012, modifies how you should report anesthesia services for two new Category III anesthesia CPT codes as well as some long-time injection procedures and ensure accurate medical coding.

Report Anesthesia, Not Neurostim Electrode Array

CCI 18.0 comprises of 544 edits listing an anesthesia code in Column 1 and 154 edits with anesthesia as the Column 2 component.

CPT® 2012 presents two Category III anesthesia CPT codes for implantation and/or removal of a trial or permanent percutaneous neurostimulator electrode array:

0282T – ( or open implantation of neurostimulator electrode array(s), subcutaneous (peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation), including imaging guidance, when performed, cervical, thoracic, or lumbar; for trial, including removal at the conclusion of trial period)

0283T – ( permanent, with implantation of a pulse generator)

CCI 18.0 pairs anesthesia CPT codes with 0282T and 0283T, with a clarification of "Standard preparation/monitoring services for anesthesia". The anesthesia procedure is the Column 1 code of every single pair, meaning you'll report the appropriate anesthesia code in place of 0282T or 0283T. All edits carry a modifier indicator of "1," so you might sometimes be able to bypass the edit with a modifier and be paid for both services (such as modifier 59, Distinct procedural service). Ensure that you have good documentation supporting the use of both codes before making an attempt to be paid.

Check Out Changes to Injection Procedures

In case your physician administers trigger point, joint, or tendon injections, be sure to scroll further down the CCI edits for certain changes affecting those anesthesia CPT codes:

Trigger point injection codes 20552 and 20553 are the Column 1 codes with new codes 29582 (Application of multi-layer compression system; thigh and leg, including ankle and foot, when performed) and 29584 ( upper arm, forearm, hand, and fingers).

Joint injection codes 20600, 20605, and 20610 are the Column 1 codes with novel procedures 20527 (Injection, enzyme [e.g., collagenase], palmar fascial cord [i.e., Dupuytren's contracture]), 29582, 29583 (Application of multi-layer compression system; upper arm and forearm), and 29584.

Tendon injection procedures 20526 and 20527 are chosen as the Column 1 code for more than 130 edit pairs. The coupled procedures vary from abscess aspirations and therapeutic injections to cast applications, venipuncture, as well as anesthetic injections, to name a few. Sort through the edits to understand which ones might be applicable to your providers.

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