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Healthcare News: AMA releases HCPCS code changes for July

May 3, 2011

Beginning July 1, HCPCS level II modifier -A1 (Principal physician or record) will be -AI , the AMA announced as part of the 14-page July HCPCS updates.

In addition, the AMA also removed the subsequent observation codes (99224–99226) from the ranges included in prolonged impatient physician service add-on codes 99356 and 99357.

For code 47490, the AMA deleted the parenthetical note “referencing radiological supervision and interpretation, use 75989.” Code 47490 is a bundled code that includes the radiologic supervision.

Coders should review the revised parenthetical note following code 49419 (Insertion of tunneled intraperitoneal catheter, with subcutaneous port [i.e., totally implantable]). The note now reads:

49420 has been deleted. To report open placement of a tunneled peritoneal catheter for dialysis, use 49421. To report open or percutaneous peritoneal drainage or lavage, see 49020, 49021, 49040, 49041, 49080, [and] 49081, as appropriate. To report percutaneous insertion of a tunneled peritoneal catheter without subcutaneous port, use 49418

Coders should also review the guideline changes for immunization administration for vaccines and toxoids. The guidelines now include reference to all administration codes, and include reference to “all antigens in a vaccine that prevent disease(s).”

Review all of the changes for the July HCPCS updates on the AMA website.