1 Symptoms of a kidney stone include flank pain (the pain can be quite severe) and blood in the urine (hematuria). 2  People with certain medical conditions, such as gout, and those who take certain medications or supplements are at risk for kidney stones.
The interim rates, which remain in effect until December 31, 2003, resulted from the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edit by CMS that significantly reduced the amount of reimbursement previously paid by Medicare for services involving automated imaging.
The CMS annually updates the National Correct Coding Initiative Coding Policy Manual for Medicare Services (Coding Policy Manual). The Coding Policy Manual should be utilized by carriers and FIs as a general reference tool that explains the rationale for NCCI edits.