Coding Issues for Interventional Radiology: Get Paid for What You Do!

ABSTRACT

As interventional radiology continues to evolve into a true clinical practice, more time will be spent on the clinical decision process; this time is reimbursable in the form of evaluation and management (E&M) services. Once assumed to be an inherent part of the procedure itself, we know many procedures now do not include follow-up E&M components. Unfortunately, E&M coding is somewhat complex and requires rigorous documentation. Below is a discussion of the fundamentals of E&M services, general principles of documentation, and the mechanics of coverage and reimbursement.

KEYWORDS

Coding - interventional procedures - evaluation and management - E&M

REFERENCES

• 1 Current Procedural Terminology. 4th ed. American Medical Association 2002
• 2 E&M Coding for Interventional Radiology. Medical Learning, Inc. 2004
• 3 International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities 1987