Journalists working on stories related to high-risk pregnancies or the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine can contact Greg Phillips, Director of Communications, at press@smfm.org for referrals to MFM experts and to request additional information. The press office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.
A vanishing twin (or fetal resorption) is a fetus in a multi-gestation that fails to develop or dies in utero and is then partially or completely resorbed. Fetal numbering is most commonly determined by ultrasound. The baby positioned lowest in the uterus is usually given the designation of... Continue Reading
The use of ultrasound to guide procedures in obstetrics is common. In addition to the relevant primary procedure code being performed, additional separate coding for ultrasound guidance, depending on the procedure type and setting, should be included and reflected in the documentation. The... Continue Reading
Recently, our membership has had questions regarding the appropriate use and required components of CPT codes 76805, 76816 and 76815. This coding tip reviews the components of each imaging study, as well as provides some clinical scenarios of appropriate use: It is important to distinguish,... Continue Reading
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is one of the most challenging clinical problems in monochorionic multifetal gestations with mortality rates as high as 80% if left untreated. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation is described as the preferred method of treatment for select or severe cases of... Continue Reading
Cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) screening has enhanced the ability to offer early aneuploidy screeningin pregnancy. The purpose of this White Paper is to describe billing recommendations when cfDNAscreening is done or considered in conjunction with first trimester Nuchal Translucency screening(CPT... Continue Reading
The SMFM Coding Committee frequently receives inquiries on when and how to bill for Doppler of the ductus venosus, Doppler of the ductus arteriosus, and PR Interval measurement. Below are the suggested ways to report these services: Ductus venosus Doppler: This is billable when sampled as part of... Continue Reading
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) book divides the codes for pelvic ultrasound services into two categories: Obstetrical (76801-76828) and Nonobstetrical (76830-76857). However, how does one know which category to use? An appropriate obstetrical ultrasound code should be selected... Continue Reading
In the world of coding, time could be perplexing. Time is built into many of the Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services. Physicians are often told to select the E/M code based on the history, exam and medical decision‐making elements. Times are listed for each service in the CPT manual only as... Continue Reading
Cerclage placement may be indicated based on 1) obstetrical history of cervical insufficiency; 2) physical examination findings concerning for cervical insufficiency; or 3) for a history of preterm birth with ultrasound evidence of cervical shortening. In recent years, placement of exam or... Continue Reading
Telemedicine is the delivery of medical care or services from a distant site. Telemedicine provides two-way, communication between a patient and healthcare provider at a distant site. The communication is supported by audio and video equipment that allows a physician at the main hospital/office to... Continue Reading
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been associated with congenital defects, primarily of the central nervous system. According to the CDC, clinicians should screen women who have traveled to known areas of Zika transmission. Pregnant women who report clinical illness consistent... Continue Reading
Do you remember Aesop's Fables story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"? Many times the boy tells the villagers that a wolf is attacking his flock. He tells them so many times that one day when the wolf really is attacking, no one believes him. Does this sound a little like the government and ICD-10? ... Continue Reading
