ASTROgram: E and M management codes with radiation oncology procedures update

Effective January 1, 2010, CMS will modify the edits bundling CPT codes 99201-99215 and 99221-99223 into radiation oncology procedures to allow use of NCCI-associated modifiers. This change is in response to ASTRO's request  to NCCI for reconsideration of these edits given the elimination of payment for consultation codes beginning January 1, 2010. As a result of NCCI's reconsideration, these codes may be reported only once with an NCCI-associated modifier for the initial consultation with the patient. With a single exception these E and M codes should not be reported with an NCCI-associated modifier for other E and M services during the course of radiation therapy and 90 days after the last treatment. The sole exception is CPT codes 77785-777876, which allow separate reporting of E and M services. ASTRO expects to have more information regarding the edits bundling CPT codes 99231-99233 and 99234-99236 into the radiation oncology procedures after the first of the year.