NEWS

Coding bone marrow biopsies and aspirations presents a lot of possible variations. The May 2018 CPT® Assistant from AMA sheds light on how to handle many of these scenarios, making sure you know how to use the new-for-2018 code options. Get the AMA's view on coding bilateral services, same site services, use of modifier 59 (Distinct services), and more.

The latest issue also offers tips on other 2018 code updates, providing a great midyear refresher. Check them out using TCI SuperCoder's Code Connect to find articles from vol. 28, issue 5:

• Arthrodesis, decompression: 22633, 63047, 59
• Aspiration, biopsy, bone marrow: 20939, 20999, 22319, 22532-22534, 22548-22558, 22590-22612, 22630, 22633, 22634, 22800-22812, 38205, 38206, 38220-38222, 88305, 0232T, G0364
• Genomic sequencing, hereditary peripheral neuropathy: 81325, 81403-81408, 81448, 81479
• Injection, percutaneous laryngeal: 31573, 31574, 50
• Intervention, cognitive function: 97127, 97532, 0364T, 0365T, 0368T, 0369T, G0515.

For guidance on specific situations you may encounter, the CPT® Assistant FAQs are always a good resource. Search for these codes and keywords in TCI SuperCoder's Code Connect:

• Injection, facet joint: 64493-64495, 50
• Removal, pterygium: 65426
• Surgery, cardiovascular: 36514, 36522, 96365, J0610, J7100, P9047
• Surgery, musculoskeletal: 22899, 25335, 63047.