tci Part B Insider - 2013 Issue 20

Part B Coding Coach: To Report IONM, You Need a Separate Provider -- The Surgeon Can't Do Both

With the right documentation and modifiers, some practices can earn big bucks. If you think it has been difficult to get paid for interoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) when performing procedures such as a thyroidectomies or partotidectomies, then prepare yourself. CPT® 2013’s code changes have made that just about impossible. Re-Acquaint Yourself With This IONM Background Through 2012, Medicare did not pay when the surgeon performed the interoperative nerve monitoring. Similar to anesthesia administration, Medicare feels the surgeon cannot pay adequate attention to the nerve monitoring beyond listening to a beep to support a separate payment.  Therefore, Medicare...

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