In an effort to clarify how commercial payers will address the use of consult codes starting in January 2010, I inquired with the following payers: Cigna, Sagamore, Aetna, Aetna Work Comp, Anthem (Indiana), United (Midwest) and Medical Mutual of Ohio. All noted that they will continue to accept and reimburse for Consult Codes with their covered lives. The only exceptions are the Medicare plans provided by these payers. All Medicare plans offered through commercial payers will abide by Medicare billing rules. This presents some challenges for your practice in assuring the appropriate codes are billed for your Medicare patients. As well use of Consult Codes where Medicare may be a secondary crossover claim will certainly be an area for you to monitor and to determine the best process for your practice. As we receive updated information from commercial payers, we will pass it along. (For details on the CMS final rule, see linked article by Joy Newby, LPN, CPC, PCS of Newby Consulting, Inc.)