OHIO CAC MEETING REPORT
On June 6, 2000, the non-coronary vascular stent policy was discussed. You can obtain the policy by Web-site: Nationwide Medicare Policy Manual (www.Nationwide-medicare.com\mednol.htin) or Nationwide Medicare medical policy drafts (www.nationwide-medicare.com\medipoldrafts.htm). PTA is not allowed to treat obstructive disease of the carotid, vertebral or cerebral arteries by HCFA.
On Sept. 5, 2000, Endovascular Repair of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm policy was discussed. The CPT code number is 37799 for surgeons. If intervenional radiologist works with surgeon for this procedure, you should submit the bill with modifler-62. The discussion on indication was size of aneurysm. Aneurysm size should be 5 cm.or greater diameter. If aneurysm is 4.5 cm. It should be documented to show the expansion of 0.5cm. in six month or documented claudication or documented pain/tenderness on palpation of aneurysm.
Second item related to radiology policy was percuteneous vertebroplasty/ kyphoplasty. The CPT code number is 22899 including all the pre and post procedure imaging. This code should be billed one time per level. If you log on to Nationwide policy drafts and have any comments to make, please E-mail your comment to Dr. Robert N. Ludwig (www.ludwigr@nationwide.com).
Dr. Mudin I. Syed, interventional radiologist from Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, Ohio presented the vertebroplasty to CAC members with great interest. The procedure will be paid after 45 days comment period.
We have a new medical director. His name is Robert R. Kamps, MD. (www.kampsr@nationwide.com).
Respectfully submitted,
S. Christopher Lee, MD |
