New CPT Codes Released & Revised to Document COVID-19 & Respiratory Syncytial Virus Detection Test

respiratory syncytial virus

In continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, AMA has released two new CPT codes that allow for nucleic acid infectious agent detection for Coronavirus, influenza types A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) via a single test (AMA, 2020). Do you want to learn the ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for COVID-19 code U07.1? Sign up for our Respiratory Diagnoses Hot Topics Webinar and find out how to code Coronavirus infections, symptoms, screening, and patient encounters. The webinar on hot coding topics provides an overview of the Official Coding Guidelines for COVID-19. See more here.

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COVID-19 Explained: Screening for Suspected COVID-19 Infection

screening for COVID-19

This article offers guidelines on how to code screening tests for suspected COVID-19 infection. There are two different kinds of tests for COVID-19: a viral test to detect a current Coronavirus infection, and an antibody test to confirm is the patient previously had COVID-19 (CDC, 2020). The CDC has issued guidance on conducting screening tests for COVID-19 and other recommendations for viral testing (2022).

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CMS Clarifies Risk Adjustment Criteria for Coding Telehealth Services

Coding Telehealth

CMS clarified on April 10, 2020, that the submission of ICD-10-CM diagnoses codes for Risk Adjustment are permitted from coding telehealth services as long as it meets the set criteria (i.e. inpatient, outpatient, or professional service and from a face-to-face encounter) (CMS, 2020). CMS is stating that telehealth services can meet the face-to-face requirement “when the services are provided using an interactive audio and video telecommunications system that permits real-time interactive communication” (2020). From a medical coding and billing standpoint, the change in the telehealth services criteria for risk adjustment is causing updates to how these services are billed.

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ICD-10-PCS Codes Updates – FY2019

ICD-10-PCS Codes Updates

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2019 ICD-10-PCS code changes for fiscal year(FY) 2019.  After the codes are approved in the FY 2019 IPPS Final Rule, they will be implemented by all hospital inpatient coding professionals with discharges occurring on October 1, 2018.

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