Q&A: Reporting injections of bulking substances
APCs Insider, September 11, 2015
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Q: Our physicians are injecting a lot of bulking substances, such as those for strengthening the urethra. Some of the injections are done as part of another procedure or there is a code that specifically describes the procedure. How do we report those procedures that are approved but there is not a specific existing code? Do we use a miscellaneous system-specific code?
A: In the past, and currently, the miscellaneous code for the appropriate body system would have been utilized for approved procedures that don’t have a specific code. However, beginning October 1, CMS has created a new HCPCS level II code for these procedures. Transmittal 3333 provides the following information:
- C9743, injection/implantation of bulking or spacer material (any type) with or without image guidance (not to be used if a more specific code applies)
Note that this includes any imaging that is used, so be sure to let your radiology department know that there will not be a separate code for the imaging modality. C9743 has been assigned to APC 0310 and status indicator S (significant procedure not subject to multiple procedure discounting).
Editor’s note: Denise Williams, RN, CPC-H, seniorvice president of revenue integrity services at Revant Solutions, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, answered this question.
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