The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the rapid spread of a novel 2019 coronavirus, formally named COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. On January 30, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern due to its sustained person-to-person spread within countries and across continental borders.
To enhance efforts to combat the opioid crisis in America, CMS policy allows for a new benefit under Medicare Part B concerning Opioid Treatment Programs.
ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for severe and potentially fatal heart conditions such as aortic valve stenosis (AVS), heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF) requires an in-depth understanding of anatomical terminology and clinical indications. Coders need to be able to select the most specific codes based on reported symptoms and the severity of the disease.
Prior to 1983, Medicare reimbursed based on actual charges that inpatient healthcare facilities billed (often referred to as “fee-for-service” payments). The more tests, procedures, and services ordered by physicians, the more an organization was paid. This created the potential for unnecessary or excessive services, contributing to rising healthcare costs and the possibility of depleting Medicare funds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an important report in November 2019 on antibiotic-resistant threats in the United States. This comprehensive look at the serious problem of antibiotic resistance has compelling individual stories, great graphics, and actions that healthcare institutions can take to help deal with the issue. The report is free to download. I recommend it for professionals who work in documentation and coding as the information can be applied immediately in your work environments.
The fiscal year (FY) 2020 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, released shortly after the FY 2020 ICD-10-CM code release, provide instructions for healthcare professionals on how to appropriately report complex diagnoses. Since FY 2020 is in full swing, now is the time to review these updates if your inpatient coding team hasn’t already.
CMS recently announced that it will cover acupuncture therapy sessions for Medicare patients with chronic low back pain. Read about how this change will impact physician coding and billing for acupuncture services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the rapid spread of a novel 2019 coronavirus, formally named COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Learn about signs, symptoms, and ICD-10-CM coding for the virus. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
