Health Information Management

Q&A: Reporting injections of bulking substances

APCs Insider, September 11, 2015

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!

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.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!

    Briefings on APCs

  • Briefings on APCs

    Worried about the complexities of the new rules under OPPS and APCs? Briefings on APCs helps you understand the new rules...

  • HIM Briefings

    Guiding Health Information Management professionals through the continuously changing field of medical records and toward a...

  • Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

    Submitting improper Medicare documentation can lead to denial of fees, payback, fines, and increased diligence from payers...

  • Briefings on HIPAA

    How can you minimize the impact of HIPAA? Subscribe to Briefings on HIPAA, your health information management resource for...

  • APCs Insider

    This HTML-based e-mail newsletter provides weekly tips and advice on the new ambulatory payment classifications regulations...

Most Popular