CPT® coding for respiratory procedures can be challenging, given the structural complexity of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Refresh your knowledge of respiratory anatomy and CPT reporting of angiographies, laryngoscopies, and endotracheal intubations. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Coders must apply modifiers to CPT codes for select services rendered during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency to ensure that providers are paid in full for documented work. This article details reporting of telehealth modifiers -95, -G0, and -GQ, and emergency modifiers -CR and -CS. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Coding managers: Take steps to effectively prepare staff for the transition to the new E/M guidelines, scheduled to take effect January 1. Review advice from coding experts on updating patient forms, medical record software, and rethinking your workflow to prepare staff for the changes to come.
CMS recently issued a major update to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on COVID-19 fee-for-service billing issues. The bulk of the new FAQs concerns hospitals and the ability to invoke various waivers in order to deliver services to patients in their homes using telecommunications technologies.
Physicians and facilities use the same codes to report E/M levels for ED services, but follow different rules. Outpatient coders must be able to assign E/M codes for both physicians’ work and resources utilized by the facility during emergency visits.
Outpatient coders must be able to assign E/M codes for the providers’ work and resources utilized by the facility during emergency visits. This article takes a close look at facility E/M coding and payment for visit services rendered in Type A and Type B emergency departments (ED). Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Changes to office E/M guidelines, effective January 1, 2021, will give providers the option to code based on the total time they spend on a patient’s care per date of service. Prepare for these changes by reviewing rules for time-based E/M documentation and code selection.
Review up-to-date novel coronavirus (COVID-19) documentation tips, ICD-10-CM and CPT coding guidance, and advice for ensuring billing compliance during the public health emergency.
The American Hospital Association recently published a Coding Clinic Advisor FAQ regarding ICD-10-CM coding for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This article takes a closer look at the main topics addressed in the FAQ, including ICD-10-CM coding for COVID-19 antibody testing, virus signs and symptoms, and comorbidities.
In this article, Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC , breaks down ICD-10-CM code selection for cerebrovascular diseases, transient cerebral ischemic attacks, and peripheral neuropathies.
Determine the impact of new regulatory relief for hospitals regarding outpatient services and telehealth originating site services provided to patients at alternate locations, including their homes.
Even experienced coders have difficulty adhering to CPT reporting guidelines for wound care procedures. Review Medicare’s medical necessity requirements for debridement procedures and CPT coding for wound care services delivered via interactive audio and video. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
To assign CPT codes for spinal procedures, coders need a solid understanding of spinal anatomy and procedural terminology. They must also be up to date on guidance from CMS and the American Medical Association for facility reporting of spinal surgeries. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, CCDS-O, reviews the latest guidance and ICD-10-CM reporting for common novel coronavirus (COVID-19) scenarios such as reporting for patients who present for testing with symptoms of COVID-19.
Modifier -22 indicates that the procedural work performed by the provider or surgeon was substantially greater than what is typically required. The application of this modifier allows providers to receive additional reimbursement for a procedural service that was especially challenging, time-consuming, or unusual.
Under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, CMS has broadened access to telemedicine services during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read about how the interim final rule impacts reporting of telehealth visits, virtual check-ins, and e-visits. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
In part two of this two-part series on modifier -22, Lori-Lynne Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC , reviews documentation considerations for increased procedural services and tips for the appropriate CPT reporting of this commonly misused modifier.
In its April update to the OPPS, CMS made effective new Proprietary Laboratory Analysis (PLA) codes for biochemical assays and billing codes for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) laboratory tests. Hospital coders should review these updates to ensure that they are selecting the most specific codes for these services. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
To code for spinal excisions and decompression procedures, coders must break down provider documentation to determine the surgical approach utilized and surgical specialists involved, and in some cases, visualize how the procedure was performed across multiple levels of the spinal column.
