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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.

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Descriptions and Required Components for CPT 76805, 76815 and 76816 ultrasound procedures
Descriptions and Required Components for CPT 76805, 76815 and 76816 ultrasound procedures

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

Date posted03/31/2018


Fetal Laser and Surgery
Fetal Laser and Surgery

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

Date posted11/9/2017


Billing of 76801 and/or 76813 with cfDNA screening
Billing of 76801 and/or 76813 with cfDNA screening

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

Date posted11/9/2017


Use of the -22 modifier for complicated cerclage placement
Use of the -22 modifier for complicated cerclage placement

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

Date posted02/1/2017


Reporting Complications in Pregnancy When No Specific Codes Exists
Reporting Complications in Pregnancy When No Specific Codes Exists

One challenge for ICD-10-CM code selection for MFM is the presentation of symptoms or conditions for which a precise diagnosis code doesn’t exist. ICD-10-CM offers several categories and subcategories from which to choose. They are: O09.89- Supervision of other high risk... Continue Reading

Date posted12/1/2016


Billing for multiple providers managing high-risk patients
Billing for multiple providers managing high-risk patients

Nationwide, there are MFM providers who only bill fee for service in the management of a pregnant patient including delivery planning but do not actually deliver. Unfortunately, all delivery codes include global services upon delivery (Admission, delivery management and the discharge). When this... Continue Reading

Date posted04/30/2016


Preconception Counseling
Preconception Counseling

Preconception counseling is an office consultation to discuss the potential risks a woman may face when pursuing pregnancy. Discussion typically involves identifying risk factors that could impact the progress of a healthy pregnancy and healthy fetus. Addressing issues ahead of time, such as... Continue Reading

Date posted03/1/2016


Bill for visits when an MFM provider sees patients in a clinic or office staffed by OB Providers
Bill for visits when an MFM provider sees patients in a clinic or office staffed by OB Providers

ow to bill for visits when an MFM provider sees patients in a clinic or office typically staffed by OB providers? Some MFM providers are “contracted” or assigned to see patients in an office or clinic primarily staffed by OB generalist providers. This often occurs in hospital... Continue Reading

Date posted02/26/2016


The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Boy Who Cried Wolf

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

Date posted07/13/2015


Non-Physician Providers in Maternal Fetal Medicine
Non-Physician Providers in Maternal Fetal Medicine

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have reported a projected decrease in the workforce over the next two decades.1 This anticipated change in supply and demand is correlated with the demographic changes among physicians and patients, the aging population, and the relatively... Continue Reading

Date posted06/17/2015


How to report two different types of multi-fetal reductions and their respective approach
How to report two different types of multi-fetal reductions and their respective approach

A recent question was asked on the correct way to report an Umbilical Cord Occlusion via the Radio Frequency Ablation approach”. Below you will find two examples of multi-fetal reductions, their approach and correct coding guidance for billing purposes. Types of Fetal Reductions and... Continue Reading

Date posted02/28/2014


Inpatient Ultrasound Services provided by a Private Office located in proximity of the Hospital
Inpatient Ultrasound Services provided by a Private Office located in proximity of the Hospital

The SMFM Coding Committee frequently receives questions on the appropriate way to report and receive reimbursement when ultrasound services are provided to hospitalized patients.Global Billing-services are provided and can be billed as Global only when the practice:* owns or leases the equipment,... Continue Reading

Date posted02/6/2013