Melody Mulaik is a featured writer for ICE magazine’s billing and coding column. Melody is the president of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies in Powder Springs, Georgia. The corporate office is located in Cedar Park, Texas. She has a masters of science in health systems and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Melody’s certifications include CRA, RCC, RCC-IR, CPC and COC. In addition to managing a consulting and publishing firm with clients in all 50 states, Melody is an active presenter and writer in the specialty area of radiology coding, billing and compliance. When she is not working, she is an extensive traveler, travelling to all 50 states, as well as quite a few countries.
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CT and CTA Increases Continue
Computed tomography (CT) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) are imaging studies that continue to see increases in volumes and are targeted by the payers for medical necessity and coverage.
ABNs are Still in Style
The proper use of ABNs is very important in radiology since many radiology claims are denied for medical necessity – specifically, the lack of a covered diagnosis.
Can I Bill a Visit?
Radiologists perform Evaluation and Management (E/M) services and may bill for them. However, it is important to distinguish between a separate E/M service, and the interaction with the patient that is related to and inherent in a procedure provided on the same date of service.
Orders in the Hospital Setting
The guidelines for the ordering of diagnostic tests in the non-hospital setting have been around for 20 years.
Patient Relationship Categories
Patient relationship categories and modifiers have been around for a number of years, but their utilization is not mandatory, and it is unclear when and if this will occur.
