What Is A Diagnosis Pointer
Enter each pointer as appropriate in item 29 for each service where a diagnosis is required.
What is a diagnosis pointer. While you can include up to 12 diagnosis codes on a single claim form only four of those diagnosis codes can map to a specific cpt code. Diagnosis pointers are used to describe sometimes complex many to many relationships between submitted diagnosis and service line treatment information on health claims and encounters. Where did diagnosis pointers come from. There are two ways that you can link a diagnosis code to a cpt in drchrono one on the billing detail screen and the other through schedule calendar.
The diagnosis pointer s entered into field 24e of each line item show what diagnosis code s entered into field 21 that the service cpt or hcpcs code relates to. That s because the current 1500 form allows space for up to four diagnosis pointers per line and that won t change with the transition to icd 10. In the example the letter a is entered into field 24e meaning that the diagnosis code listed in blank letter a in box 21 of this claim relates to code on that line item e0486. What is a diagnosis pointer cms medicare billing physical therapy learn medicare billing for pt ot slp.
Remaining diagnosis pointers indicate declining level of importance to service line. A diagnostic pointer is a block capital letter a b c or d referencing the code entered on the corresponding line in item 34a. Diagnosis pointers are used to link the diagnosis code to a cpt the current procedural terminology performed. Unsubscribe from learn medicare billing for pt ot slp.
Diagnosis code pointers are used to indicate the appropriate order of importance in relation to the service being performed. The diagnosis pointers connect the medical diagnosis made by the provider to each cpt code that is billed. You can list up to four diagnosis pointers per service line. Why are diagnosis pointers used.
Pointers originated with paper claims.