There are new medical billing codes available as of February 2022 implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to be used in the second quarter of 2022. It is vital as a medical professional that you are aware of what the appropriate medical billing codes are, how to use them, and when to use them.
Importance of the medical billing codes
The billings codes play an important role in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to hospitalized patients by injection and should be followed correctly. This information will enable the correct and proper reimbursement of the administration. However, if the vaccine was supplied for free, then patients should not be charged and no reimbursement should be sought.
Current list of medical billing code updates
The codes are regularly updated and are available on the CMS website to view. This includes all the updated code tables, index, and related addenda files for the new procedure codes. To date, the new codes are currently as follows:
“XW013V7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 3 into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW013W7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster into subcutaneous tissue, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW023V7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine dose 3 into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW023W7 Introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW0DXR7 Introduction of fostamatinib into mouth and pharynx, external approach, new technology group 7
XW0G7R7 Introduction of fostamatinib into upper GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 7
XW0H7R7 Introduction of fostamatinib into lower GI, via natural or artificial opening, new technology group 7
On Jan. 12, 2022, CMS added two new procedure codes:
XW023X7 Introduction of tixagevimab and cilgavimab monoclonal antibody into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
XW023Y7 Introduction of other new technology monoclonal antibody into muscle, percutaneous approach, new technology group 7
These procedures are designated as non-operating room procedures, so there is no assigned Major Diagnosis Category (MDC) or Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG).”
Staying up-to-date with this information is crucial for smooth operations and reducing problems when the claims are denied due to improper code input. If you cannot, or do not want to keep up-to-date with this information, then the best move your facility can make is to outsource your medical billing to an independent and reputable company who can simplify the process for you, so that you can focus on providing excellent patient care. This will ensure the correct billing codes are always used and will save you time and hassle.