What do Column 1/Column 2 edits identify?

Column 1/Column 2 edits are primarily used to identify code pairs that should not be billed together due to specific coverage rules established by insurance payers. These edits ensure that when a healthcare provider submits billing claims, they do so in accordance with guidelines that prevent improper billing practices, such as unbundling of services.

This type of edit helps maintain compliance with coding standards and reduces the possibility of audits or claim denials. It essentially functions as a safeguard for payers, ensuring that certain services are not reported in a way that might suggest they are separate when they are considered part of a bundle or when one service inherently includes another.

The focus is on coverage policies that may dictate that certain procedures or services are not reimbursable when billed together, reflecting the payer's rules surrounding the relationship between the services in question.