Several surgical techniques can be used to excise or slow the growth of a paratubal cyst. Lori-Lynne Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , describes the etiology of paratubal cysts and CPT coding for their treatment.
CMS recently released two quarterly updates effective July 1: Medicare Claims Processing Transmittal 4313 , which is the July update to the OPPS, and Medicare Claims Processing Transmittal 4314 , which is the related July update to the Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (I/OCE) Specifications, Attachment B.
ED physicians commonly treat fractures. A fracture can be the result of a traumatic injury, such as a fall, or may be pathologic (i.e., due to a disease process). In general, fractures can be classified as open or closed, displaced or nondisplaced.
CMS recently released quarterly updates to the OPPS and Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (I/OCE), effective July 1. Judith Kares, JD , summarizes key coding and billing policy updates, including changes to APCs, status indicators, revenue code changes, and more.
The skin maintains homeostasis by generating new tissue in response disease or damage. Sometimes, however, surgical interventions are used lessen the severity of the wound and prevent infection. Review integumentary system anatomy and CPT coding for removals and repairs used to facilitate wound healing. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The use of ultrasound at the bedside, or within the office practice, has become more common in provider-based clinic settings. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , details documentation requirements and CPT and ICD-10-CM coding for diagnostic ultrasound services.
Because lower extremity diagnoses are often associated with issues in other parts of the body, assessing the severity of a patient’s podiatric condition can be challenging. Shelley Safian, PhD, RHIA, HCISPP, COC, CPC-I , reviews physician E/M coding for patients seeking treatment for foot and lower leg problems.
If you only bill using the CMS-1500 claim form, then you’ve probably never seen a revenue code. But if you need to bill for facilities, you know revenue codes play an important communicative role between providers and insurers. UB-04 claim forms sent to an insurance company without a revenue code associated with each charge will be rejected.
With the addition of the two new telehealth service codes for 2019, providers now have 98 CMS-approved telehealth services to report. Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CPC-I , describes the two newest telehealth HCPCS codes and breaks down 2019 billing regulations surrounding telehealth.
The month of May is designated Skin Cancer Awareness Month by the American Academy of Dermatology. In this article, Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, HCS-D , writes about ICD-10-CM/CPT coding for common types of skin cancer and their treatments.
Healthcare organizations and providers are experiencing a shift in outpatient reimbursement: from fee-for-service to Alternative Payment Models and value-based reimbursement based on quality outcomes.
Reduced and discontinued service modifiers indicate to the payer when service is either less than the HCPCS code indicates (reduced) or the procedure was stopped before completion (discontinued).
The most commonly reported CPT codes are getting a much-needed makeover. Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, writes about E/M code changes implemented this year and changes for implementation over the next two years.
The most commonly reported CPT codes are getting a much-needed makeover. Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS , writes about E/M code changes implemented this year and changes for implementation over the next two years.
A spinal fusion is a major surgery used to fuse together two or more vertebrae so they can heal into a single bone. This article breaks down spinal anatomy and simplifies CPT and NCCI guidance for reporting spinal fusions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Vestibular migraine is a common visual and neurological disorder that can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms of the disorder resemble those of other conditions such as vestibular neuritis and Meniere’s disorder. In this article, Debbie Jones, CPC , reviews clinical indications of vestibular migraine disorder and CPT coding for diagnostic tests used to assess vestibular functioning.
Providers will find significant leeway in how they can approach and report advance care planning services for physicians given CMS’ open-ended coding requirements, which should push the already strong growth of the codes to new heights.
Hospital coders must develop and adhere to internal E/M coding guidelines and CPT guidance to accurately report visits to the ED. In addition, because ED coding encompasses professional and facility billing, they may need to scour provider documentation to determine the correct E/M service level for both bill types.
Telehealth services are likely to promote health, wellness, and disease management, providing an avenue to offer efficient, high-quality care while supporting value-based care in a cost-effective manner. Although the benefit of telehealth is obvious and its value is continually highlighted by CMS, it appears the services are underutilized.
