CMS recently released an ICD-10-CM resource for specialties and specific conditions and services that collects varied educational tools, including webcasts, case studies, and clinical concept guides.
ICD-10 implementation has gone smoothly for approximately 80% of attendees who responded to a survey during a recent webcast from audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG.
Coding for spinal arthrodesis procedures has always been a challenge given the complexity of these detailed surgeries. Coding them in ICD-10-PCS adds several elements that must be taken into consideration when looking to apply the proper code or codes.
CMS and Medicare Administrative Contractors are aware of certain issues regarding National Coverage Determinations and Local Coverage Determinations related to ICD-10 and working to resolve them as soon as possible, according to CMS.
CMS does not require ordering providers to rewrite orders prior to ICD-10 implementation with appropriate diagnosis codes for laboratory, radiology, and other services, including durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies, according to a new FAQ.
CMS introduced several new HCPCS codes and added comprehensive APCs (C-APC), including one for observation, in the 2016 OPPS final rule, released October 30.
CMS finalized its proposals regarding the 2-midnight rule in the 2016 OPPS final rule, including moving responsibility for enforcement and education of the rule from Recovery Auditors to Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO). This latter change occurred October 1, 2015.
Insufficient documentation is the leading cause of improper payments for claims involving referring providers, according to a Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program study detailed in the October 2015 Medicare Quarterly Compliance Newsletter .
