Three new diagnostic test codes, one PV stent code take effect July 1

by Laura Evans, CPC on May 30, 2018
Four new CPT Category III codes will be available for use beginning July 1, including a new code for endovenous revascularization and stent placement in the femoral-popliteal artery, two new eye imaging tests and bone density measurement that uses pulse-echo ultrasound.
 
The codes, first released in January on the AMA website, also will be added to the Medicare physician fee schedule July 1. They are:
  • 0505T (Endovenous femoral-popliteal arterial revascularization, with transcatheter placement of intravascular stent graft[s] and closure by any method, including percutaneous or open vascular access, ultrasound guidance for vascular access when performed, all catheterization[s] and intraprocedural roadmapping and imaging guidance necessary to complete the intervention, all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, when performed, with crossing of the occlusive lesion in an extraluminal fashion),
  • 0506T (Macular pigment optical density measurement by heterochromatic flicker photometry, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report),
  • 0507T (Near-infrared dual imaging (i.e., simultaneous reflective and transilluminated light) of meibomian glands, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report) and
  • 0508T (Pulse-echo ultrasound bone density measurement resulting in indicator of axial bone mineral density, tibia).  
Note that code 0505T includes all selective arterial and venous catheterization done on the same side, as well as all same-side imaging, arteriography and radiological supervision and interpretation, so none of that is separately reportable, according to the AMA.
 
Modifiers TC (technical component only) and 26 (professional component only) will apply to codes 0506T, 0507T and 0508T, according to CMS transmittal 4053.
 
All the new codes are to be carrier-priced (payment status “C”), so CMS did not issue relative value units for them. Check with your Medicare administrative contractor for coverage policies for the new codes.
Blog Tags: AMA
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