HCPCS Updates Now Available to Intermedicaries

The updates to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) became available to intermediaries this past October. The cahnges and updates to the codes become effective for dates of service beginning January 1, 2002. The updates include 111 tracking codes, which is a nwe grouping of common procedure terminology codes for emerging technologies.

Many codes have been downgraded to lower payment levels and it behhoves all providers to be aware of the changes and the impact they will have on reimbursement. For more information on this topic try www.hcfa.gove/medicare/hcpcs.htm. This is the official governement website for hcpcs.

The following represent the 50 largest cuts in 2002 payments for physician services:

93621-26 Electrophysiology evaluation
93622-26 Electrophysiology evaluation
68200 Treat eyelid by injection
65205 Remove foreing body from eye
47505 Injection for liver x-rays
50394 Injection for kidney x-rays
68801 Dilate tear duct opening
92226 Special eye exam, subsequent
65210 Remove foreign body from eye
65222 Remove foreign body from eye
92225 Special eye exam, initial
97024 Diathermy treatment
20501 Inject sinus tract for x-ray
97020 Microwave therapy
68840 Explore/irrigate tear ducts
52310 Cystoscopy and treatment
97028 Ultraviolet therapy
29715 Removal/revision of cast
68810 Probe nasalacrimal duct
19030 Injection for breast x-ray
51600 Injection of bladder x-ray
53661 Dilation of urethra
53660 Dilation of urethra
38790 Inject for lymphatic x-ray