Question
What is the appropriate code for a baby who fails an OAE screening in the nursery? We have an ongoing battle with our coders concerning this. They want us to use V72.1. The problem is that when we see them for a further testing, if we have used this code, the insurance company won't pay for further testing. In the past we had been using 389.9 unspecified and there were no problems. Please advise.
Answer
Unspecified 4 digit codes can often be problematic, but if you've had no problems, "why fix it if it ain't broke?" Abnormal auditory perception, unspecified, a 5 digit code, (388.40) may also be helpful as well as V41.2 (problems with hearing). It may be advisable to contact the particular insurance carrier to see if they will divulge their preferences as to how to code this appropriately.
Debbie Abel, Au.D., is the former chair of the Coding and Practice Management Committee for the American Academy of Audiology and a former member of the AAA Ethical Practices Board. She currently is serving her first year of her term on the American Academy of Audiology and is the board liaison to the CPMC. She's been in private practice for 13 years in Alliance, OH.
Debbie Abel, AuD
Related Courses
1https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/understanding-privilege-for-healthcare-professionals-36096Understanding Privilege, for Healthcare ProfessionalsSystems of privilege have created a wide division of inequality. This course will help hearing care professionals identify their privilege and determine how to make a difference in their places of employment.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comUnderstanding Privilege, for Healthcare ProfessionalsSystems of privilege have created a wide division of inequality. This course will help hearing care professionals identify their privilege and determine how to make a difference in their places of employment.36096OnlinePT60M
Systems of privilege have created a wide division of inequality. This course will help hearing care professionals identify their privilege and determine how to make a difference in their places of employment.
2https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/creating-leadership-in-audiology-through-37632Creating Leadership in Audiology Through a Mentoring CircleThere are so many components to quality patient care that it is challenging to “master” them all. What if you could come together with other professionals who possess knowledge or experience that could help you or your practice? There are a number of veteran audiologists as well as rising professionals who have wisdom, qualifications, narratives, and unique journeys to share. The purpose of this talk is to rethink the traditional mentor/mentee vertical relationship and explore collaboration in the form of circle…where all professionals, regardless of age or experience, learn from each other.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comCreating Leadership in Audiology Through a Mentoring CircleThere are so many components to quality patient care that it is challenging to “master” them all. What if you could come together with other professionals who possess knowledge or experience that could help you or your practice? There are a number of veteran audiologists as well as rising professionals who have wisdom, qualifications, narratives, and unique journeys to share. The purpose of this talk is to rethink the traditional mentor/mentee vertical relationship and explore collaboration in the form of circle…where all professionals, regardless of age or experience, learn from each other.37632OnlinePT60M
There are so many components to quality patient care that it is challenging to “master” them all. What if you could come together with other professionals who possess knowledge or experience that could help you or your practice? There are a number of veteran audiologists as well as rising professionals who have wisdom, qualifications, narratives, and unique journeys to share. The purpose of this talk is to rethink the traditional mentor/mentee vertical relationship and explore collaboration in the form of circle…where all professionals, regardless of age or experience, learn from each other.
3https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/using-patient-reported-outcome-measures-35841Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to Improve Patient-Clinician Communication and Enhance Treatment EfficacyDue to the recent increased focus on providing patient-centered healthcare, use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an essential component of assessing whether the services provided improved patients’ health and sense of well-being. This course will discuss the role of PROMs in healthcare and how using these measures in clinical practice can enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient-clinician communication, and assist clinicians in providing better person-centered care.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comUsing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to Improve Patient-Clinician Communication and Enhance Treatment EfficacyDue to the recent increased focus on providing patient-centered healthcare, use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an essential component of assessing whether the services provided improved patients’ health and sense of well-being. This course will discuss the role of PROMs in healthcare and how using these measures in clinical practice can enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient-clinician communication, and assist clinicians in providing better person-centered care.35841OnlinePT60M
Due to the recent increased focus on providing patient-centered healthcare, use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an essential component of assessing whether the services provided improved patients’ health and sense of well-being. This course will discuss the role of PROMs in healthcare and how using these measures in clinical practice can enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient-clinician communication, and assist clinicians in providing better person-centered care.
4https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/salary-negotiations-32770Learn to Earn the Salary You Deserve: Negotiating Like a BossThe ability to negotiate your income displays immediate knowledge and confidence in your skillset and worth. In this course, we will examine a revenue and pay justification method to put into place as audiology business owners, employers, and employees.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comLearn to Earn the Salary You Deserve: Negotiating Like a BossThe ability to negotiate your income displays immediate knowledge and confidence in your skillset and worth. In this course, we will examine a revenue and pay justification method to put into place as audiology business owners, employers, and employees.32770OnlinePT60M
The ability to negotiate your income displays immediate knowledge and confidence in your skillset and worth. In this course, we will examine a revenue and pay justification method to put into place as audiology business owners, employers, and employees.
5https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/core-topics-for-audiology-assistants-37123Core Topics for Audiology AssistantsThis course includes one hour of content on each of the following topics: 1) ethical concepts and decision-making; 2) universal safety precautions, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, and 3) patient confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comCore Topics for Audiology AssistantsThis course includes one hour of content on each of the following topics: 1) ethical concepts and decision-making; 2) universal safety precautions, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, and 3) patient confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).37123OnlinePT180M
This course includes one hour of content on each of the following topics: 1) ethical concepts and decision-making; 2) universal safety precautions, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, and 3) patient confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).
