New and Noteworthy

Important Message about CSM!! PLEASE CHECK ON CSM TAB!!

The Vestibular Rehab SIG has it's own Facebook page- "like" us now!

The Fall 2011 Newsletter is posted!

A big THANK YOU to Betsy Georgelos and Jeffrey Hoder for their hard work on our newsletters! Go to the "Newsletter" tab to find it!

Another way to stay current with the Vestibular SIG! Podcasts are here!

The podcasts are located in their own section now! Our newest podcast features Dr. Timothy Hain, discussing the use of medications with vestibulopathy. The facilitator is Wendy Kriekels.

CSM 2012- Chicago!

See the CSM tab on the left for an update on the great programming being offered for Vestibular therapists!

New offering from the Vestibular SIG- new monthly list of interesting vestibular articles- the Dizzy Pub Fare!!

The November Dizzy Pub Fare is posted! Check them out! Look on the new "Dizzy Pub Fare" page! These are not meant to replace the Abstract of the Week, but to enhance it. Check back often to see what we've added! Thanks to Matthew Scherer, PT, PhD, NCS for helping with this project!

Latest News on the CMS Rule for the Canalith Repositioning Maneuver CPT Code!! As of October 2011

In 2009, CMS introduced a CPT code, 95992 (Canalith repositioning procedure(s) (eg, Epley maneuver, Semont maneuver), per day), to be used by physicians and therapists to report canalith repositioning.

CMS changed the status of 95992 in CY 2011 once again to make it “active.” This would allow physicians and therapists to bill for canalith repositioning using 95992 beginning January 1, 2011.

Canalith Repositioning is now paid by Medicare and most insurers under CPT 95992 Canalith Repositioning procedures, previously billed as CPT code 97112 by physical therapists.

At this time there are no Correct Coding initiative edits with the code. As of January 1, 2011 the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits do not require use of a modifier when 95992 is reported with other procedure codes. These edits are updated on a quarterly basis. More information about NCCI and access to the current lists is available at www.cms.gov/NationalCorrectCodInitEd/01_overview.asp. This code is payable for all Medicare part B practice settings under a physical therapy plan of care. Outpatient hospital settings do not require an Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) code. As with any services provided under a therapy plan of care for Medicare, the appropriate therapy services modifier should be reported (GP, GO, GN). 95992 is an untimed code and can only be billed 1 time per day. The code may only be billed by a physician or physical therapist or under a physician or physical therapist plan of care.

It is important to know that now that there is a code for CRM, you may not use another code instead, even if you are having trouble with denials, or if another code's reimbursement is better. The code must be used by law for any CRM procedure. The code is for the assessment (Dix-Hallpike), treatment (CRM) and post-treatment instructions for each visit. If, during the visit, you also perform other exercises or procedures, you may bill for them as well. If you bill for other procedures, make sure that you use the proper modifiers (-59) to cover for multiple procedures in a session.

The Medicare Fee Schedule payment rate for your location can be calculated using APTA’s fee schedule free calculator, please follow these instructions for more details: Click on link below or log onto the APTA website *you must be a member to access the fee schedule calculator www.apta.org/medicare - Select Medicare Fee Schedule Calculator.

The APTA has recently published a list of FAQ's regarding standard coding guidance and practice. Thank you Sue Whitney and the Practice committee, along with the APTA leadership for your work in putting this very useful document together!

2011 Service to the SIG Award- Dr. Denise Gobert!

Dr. Gobert was the Chair of the Vestibular Rehabilitation SIG from 2002-2008. During Denise’s 6 years, she was an instrumental part of developing the VRSIG mission statement, “The mission of the Vestibular Rehabilitation special interest group (VRSIG) is to provide a forum for APTA Neurology Section members who have a common interest in the promotion of health, wellness, optimal function, and quality of life for individuals with vestibular injury or disease. The VR SIG is committed to facilitating advances in physical therapy for patient management, education, research and health care policy that reflect the needs of those we serve.” And finalizing the policy statement of the “role of Physical Therapists in Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation”, with the completion of the White paper. The final White Paper was used to incorporated into the support of the HOD RC26-07. Denise worked hard with the Neurology Section, the APTA and RC 26-07 was passed by the HOD, “Physical Therapists are practitioners of choice in the rehabilitation and management of vestibular related balance disorders”.

Great Course Offering!! Expanding Neurologic Expertise: Advanced Practice in Vestibular Physical Therapy

Developed by a team of clinicians with expertise in vestibular rehabilitation, this course is designed to expand knowledge of complex vestibular pathologies, improve clinical reasoning in differential diagnosis and present innovative intervention strategies. To facilitate learning, the course uses interactive case-based presentations and video eye movement analyses on complex vestibular diagnoses including migraine, anxiety, atypical BPPV, central vestibular dysfunction, and brain injury. Specific attention to recent advances in examination and intervention strategies are presented. Learners will have the opportunity to collaborate with each other to solve specific clinical questions via electronic searches and peer interaction.

October 22-23, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.