Q: I received confusing guidance regarding CPT coding for a segmental spinal fusion with pedicle screws placed at L3 and L4 vertebrae. Would it be appropriate to report CPT code 22612 with add-on code 22614 for this procedure?
The most recent quarterly update to the influenza virus vaccine code set includes a new HCPCS influenza virus vaccine code approved for use in 2019, according to CMS Transmittal 4127.
Peggy S. Blue, MPH, CPC, CCS-P, CEMC , reviews the key characteristics of physician visits administered to patients in skilled nursing facilities and E/M coding for these services.
Medicare guidelines for reporting arthroscopic shoulder surgeries have changed significantly over the past decade. Review updated guidance and CPT coding for SLAP repairs as well as biceps tenotomy and tenodesis procedures to reduce audit risk. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
William E. Haik, MD, FCCP, CDIP, writes that complex pneumonias can segregate to a higher-weighted MS-DRG than other pneumonia types, so reviewing clinical elements with your physician staff may help improve documentation and avoid adverse determinations by external reviewers for these conditions.
Allen Frady, RN-BSN, CCDS, CCS, CRC, says that defending code assignment against denials requires more than reviewing the denial to determine if the condition was coded and reported according to the coding guidelines; it requires an understanding of payer requirements as well.
Inpatient coding audits need to be tailored to the type of record being reviewed, the time it may take to complete the audit, and any compliance-related issues that may crop up. This article focuses on how coding managers can streamline these aspects to ensure a successful audit. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: Our team is having a hard time determining a principal diagnosis for a patient with a history of stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving chronic hemodialysis and is in acute renal failure (ARF) with volume overload. Which ICD-10-CM code should be the principal diagnosis?
Early readmissions were more likely to be preventable and amenable to hospital-based interventions, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
