Dizziness Depot

Apr. 16, 2014

Vestibular Reimbursement – Part IV

Alan Desmond
Development of a CPT Code As I have stated previously, “Technology moves faster than policy. On many occasions there are well accepted, clinically proven advancements in procedures that render the original coding language obsolete. When faced with this situation, the clinician must decide to: 1. Continue to perform the procedure as described despite having access to “a better way,” 2.
Apr. 08, 2014

Vestibular Reimbursement – Part III

Alan Desmond
Clinical Decisions – Yes or No Last week, we discussed how vestibular function test codes are broken down into technical (TC) and professional (PC) components. Not all audiology codes are broken down this way. For example, basic comprehensive audiometry (CPT Code 92557) does not have TC/PC components. A code that does not have a TC component must be furnished directly
Apr. 02, 2014

Vestibular Reimbursement -Part II

Alan Desmond
Technical Component = Technicians’ Work? CPT codes used for vestibular function testing are broken down into technical components (TC) and professional components (PC) reported with the modifier 26. The technical component covers the equipment used and the cost of the technician (if applicable) performing the test and is indicated by the modifier TC (e.g, 92541-TC). The professional component covers the
Featured image for “Vestibular Reimbursement Part I”
Mar. 25, 2014

Vestibular Reimbursement Part I

Alan Desmond
Just the Codes, Ma’am Diagnostic procedures used in the evaluation of vestibular patients are given code numbers so that they can be easily identified by third-party payers. These CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are five-digit numbers and are designated by the CPT Advisory Committee of the American Medical Association when there is agreement among the committee members that a new
Mar. 18, 2014

My Exam Chair Rocks!

Alan Desmond
I am not in the habit of endorsing products, and I have no relationship (financial or otherwise) with Jed-Med, but after performing more than 50,000 vestibular exams in the same exam chair, I gotta say, “This chair rocks!” We find that the Jed-Med S-II chair is an excellent choice for ENG/VNG examinations, as the chair can be reclined quickly for
Mar. 11, 2014

Blood Pressure and Fall Risk

Alan Desmond
Evidence For What We Already Knew A study published recently in JAMA confirmed something we have discussed with our patients many times over many years. We find that around 10% of patients referred to us for the complaint of “dizziness” suffer from postural lightheadedness associated with a temporary drop in blood pressure when they stand up. This condition, known as
Mar. 05, 2014

Cost Savings in the Emergency Room

Alan Desmond
My Soap Box Gets a Spotlight Last week, I was browsing through the 12,427th article about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more affectionately known as Obamacare. There was a whole section of the Wall Street Journal devoted to health care, and in particular, an article by Barbara Sadick titled, Emergency in the ER: Too Many Tests. As I read through
Feb. 25, 2014

Vestibular Surveys Are Coming – Really!

Alan Desmond
ACT NOW! You must register by 2/28/14 A few months ago, I posted a blog about impending surveys for the codes that make up the VNG exam. That survey was postponed at the last second to address some concerns about certain codes that are often billed incorrectly along with the VNG codes in question. That issue has now been resolved,
Feb. 18, 2014

Profit Centers for Primary Care

Alan Desmond
Last week I made a reference to “profit centers” that are marketed to primary-care physicians as an easy way to increase revenues. In case this term and this concept are unfamiliar, this week I provide a few examples of how vestibular testing and other medical procedures are being presented to primary-care physicians. The next two blocks are website excerpts from
Feb. 12, 2014

Why is this VNG exam worthless?

Alan Desmond
It may be helpful to go back to last week’s blog and print out a copy so that you can follow along with today’s commentary. Let me tell you what I know about last week’s “interesting” VNG report. The exam was performed in December 2012. The report was faxed from an out-of-state medical supply company’s FAX machine in September 2013.