Sclerotherapy Injections
One Lump or Two?by Cheryl Nash and AJ RiviezzoMany practices are in the habit of automatically using the CPT code 36471 – sclerotherapy injection. We would caution selecting the correct code based on the number of veins injected. Code 36471… Read More
January Marketing Tip
Medicare Appreciation Monthby Marcy Riviezzo and AJ RiviezzoUnless we have completely scarred you off from seeing Medicare patients, January is a good month for treating your Medicare patients. The reason for this is deductibles. Your commercial patients have typically just… Read More
Free Screenings
Federal Anti-Kickback Laws by AJ Riviezzo, MBAOur last email contained information regarding ZPIC audits. This generated a discussion with Dr. Calcagno regarding potential concerns with performing free screenings on federal health care program patients (Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, CHAMPUS, VA, CHP… Read More
Diagnosis Coding
A New Delay Scenarioby Cheryl Nash and AJ RiviezzoWhen coding (diagnosis) for a diagnostic ultrasound and new patient visit, we recommend coding with the patient’s presenting complaints and symptoms. For example, if the patient has swelling of the legs as… Read More
Review the Payer Guidelines
Knowledge is Essential by Cheryl Nash and AJ RiviezoMost commercial insurances and Medicare have clinical guidelines they review one to two times per year. It is essential that you are operating under the most current guidelines. As the United example… Read More
ZPIC Audits
Is Phlebology Being Targeted? by AJ Riviezzo, MBA The new Zone Program Integrity Audits (ZPIC), which have been in the making for several years, have really begun to be conducted over the past three months. The goal of these audits… Read More
United Health Care Update
Positive Change for Once by Cheryl Nash and AJ RiviezzoUnited Health Care, effective October 25th, 2010, has again revised their medical policy guidelines for ablations. The submission of color photographic prints is no longer required. Also, the submission of US… Read More
PAD Requirements
A Growing Trend by Cheryl Nash and AJ RiviezoSome payers are requiring a rule out of peripheral artery disease to be contained in the history and physical prior to granting an authorization. One way to add this element is through… Read More
Marketing Thought…
Lunch and Learn with Bariatric Surgeons by AJ Riviezzo, MBAWhen establishing your referral base of physicians, one specialty niche to consider targeting is bariatric surgeons. Patients who receive lap band and other bariatric surgeries frequently have venous insufficiency surface as… Read More
Quick Information Regarding Ablation of Other Elements
Quick Information Regarding Ablation of Other Elements by AJ Riviezo, MBAWe are frequently asked if one can perform an RF or laser ablation for a tributary, anterior accessory or perforator – and receive payment for the work. The answer is,… Read More