The fiscal year 2022 ICD-10-CM code set introduced 165 new codes, effective for encounters on or after October 1. Read about notable changes including new codes for anemia and thrombolysis, COVID-19-realted conditions, depression, and gastric metaplasia. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews ICD-10-CM and CPT coding for cervical incompetence, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and postpartum care complications.
Kimberly A. Hoy, JD, CPC , summarizes proposed changes to physician coding and billing for therapy assistant services in the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.
Between 2016 and 2017, CMS overpaid hospitals and other providers an estimated $636 million in unallowable Medicare payments associated with neurostimulator implantation surgeries, according to a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report.
The October 2021 quarterly update to the OPPS announces new HCPCS codes for endoscopic submucosal dissection and central venous catheterization. It also introduces new HCPCS drug codes and revisions to the list of those qualifying for pass-through payment status.
Q: A wound care patient with a 25-sq-cm chronic foot ulcer presents with a new cellulitic rash, which is treated using topical medication. During the visit, the physician also surgically removes dead tissue from the ulcer. How would these services be reported in CPT?
ICD-10-CM coding for neuropathies can be challenging given the complexity of these diagnoses and associated complications. Demystify documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, migraine headaches, and paralysis. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , unpacks ICD-10-CM coding for uncommon obstetric (OB) complications and symptoms and CPT coding for surgical management of miscarriages.
The latest quarterly National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) update includes a reversal of procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits that involve E/M codes along with new medically unlikely edits (MUE) for a series of COVID-19 vaccination codes. Review the changes, which went into effect on October 1.
Several CPT modifiers have similar definitions, which can make distinguishing between them challenging. Review guidance for the appropriate application of modifier -51 versus -59 and discontinued service modifiers -52, -53, -73, and -74.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down CPT coding for diagnostic services performed during the second and third trimesters, and provides an overview of an obstetric (OB) hospitalist's role in caring for high-risk maternity patients.
ICD-10-CM coding for neuropathies can be challenging given the complexity of these diagnoses and associated complications. Demystify documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, migraine headaches, and paralysis.
John Peter Smith Hospital in Tarrant County, Texas, has agreed to pay $3.3 million to settle allegations that it was in violation of the False Claims Act by upcoding certain claims.
Several CPT modifiers have similar definitions, which can make distinguishing between them challenging. Review guidance for the appropriate application of modifier -51 versus -59 and discontinued service modifiers -52, -53, -73, and -74. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down CPT coding for diagnostic services performed during the second and third trimesters, and provides an overview of an obstetric (OB) hospitalist's role in caring for high-risk maternity patients.
Q: The 2022 ICD-10-CM code set includes a new code, U09.9 (post-COVID-19 condition, unspecified), for post-COVID-19 conditions. When would it be appropriate to report this code? A: The fiscal year...
Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , writes about endocrine anatomy and physiology as well as ICD-10-CM/CPT coding for thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pineal irregularities.
CMS overpaid physicians an estimated $1.7 million for transitional care management (TCM) services over a two-year period, according to a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. Overpayments were due to CPT coding and billing errors.
CMS recently released the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, which introduces new guidelines for reporting split/shared visit services. Julia Kyles, CPC , analyzes how the changes would impact physician practices.
Q: A 32-year-old female presents for a planned vaginal delivery of twins. Twin A is delivered vaginally but due to complications, the second-born is delivered via a caesarean section (C-section). How would these obstetric services be reported in CPT?
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down CPT coding for ancillary services provided by obstetric providers including targeted ultrasound services and maternal serum tests used to screen for fetal abnormalities.
Outpatient coding for injections and infusions can be challenging given the foundational definitions and complex rules that drive reporting of these services. This article breaks down the facility drug administration hierarchy and CPT coding for therapeutic infusions, injections, and hydration. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Outpatient coding for injections and infusions can be challenging given the foundational definitions and complex rules that drive reporting of these services. This article breaks down the facility drug administration hierarchy and CPT coding for therapeutic infusions, injections, and hydration.
To select the most specific CPT codes for prenatal care, physician coders must have a solid understanding of complex guidelines for reporting pregnancy-related office visits. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , unpacks services included in the global obstetric package and CPT coding for routine prenatal care.
Medicare overcompensated providers for complex and noncomplex chronic care management (CCM) services billed over a two-year period, according to a recent OIG report. These overpayments occurred because CMS did not have claim edits in place to prevent billing of overlapping care management services.
CPT coding for vaginal and cesarean deliveries and postpartum care requires strong attention to detail. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down stages of delivery and CPT coding guidance for childbirth.
Earlier this year, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) added a new OIG Work Plan item for reporting E/M services with minor surgical procedures. Joe Rivet, Esq., CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CPMA, CICA, CHRC, CHPC, CHEP, CHC, CICA, CAC, CACO , reviews appropriate use of modifier -25 for separately identifiable E/M services.
Review proposed updates to the CPT set for 2022, including new codes for chronic care management, laser interstitial thermal therapy, spinal anesthesia, and more. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Read up on ICD-10-CM code updates for fiscal year 2022, including new codes for post-COVID-19 symptoms, social determinants of health, and poisonings by cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently announced that it updated the CPT code set to include new codes for third doses of the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines.
To select the most specific CPT codes for prenatal care, physician coders must have a solid understanding of complex guidelines for reporting pregnancy-related office visits. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , unpacks services included in the global obstetric package and CPT coding for routine prenatal care.
Hospital coders often review charts for patients with diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, and other colorectal problems. Review ICD-10-CM coding for common conditions of the large intestine and CPT coding for proctosigmoidoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and colonoscopies. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule includes significant policy updates affecting physician coding and billing. Review proposals to decrease to the Medicare conversion factor, revise guidelines for critical care services, and loosen telehealth coverage requirements.
Cardiovascular conditions affect the structure and function of the heart and are a leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This article details ICD-10-CM coding for common heart conditions and CPT coding for cardiac catheterization procedures.
Read up on ICD-10-CM code updates for fiscal year 2022, including new codes for post-COVID-19 symptoms, social determinants of health, and poisonings by cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids.
Cardiovascular conditions affect the structure and function of the heart and are a leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This article details ICD-10-CM coding for common heart conditions and CPT coding for cardiac catheterization procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule includes significant policy updates affecting physician coding and billing. Review proposals to decrease to the Medicare conversion factor, revise guidelines for critical care services, and loosen telehealth coverage requirements.
Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , breaks down CPT coding for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)—a non-surgical treatment used to destroy kidney stones.
While technological solutions and electronic health records have made leaps and bounds over the past years in the inpatient setting, there still seems to be much lacking on the outpatient side. Learn how to leverage existing technology to track Hierarchical Condition Category capture and other coding metrics.
Staten Island University Hospital overcharged Medicare an estimated $11.8 million for inpatient and outpatient services billed over a two-year period, according to a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report.
Pacemakers are small devices implanted in the chest to help regulate inconsistent heart rates. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down documentation and CPT coding for pacemaker insertions, repairs, and relocations.
Hip and knee replacements are two of the most commonly performed elective surgeries, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Review major joint anatomy and CPT coding for hip and knee revisions and replacements. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Refresh your knowledge of dysphagia, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett’s esophagus, and review guidance for reporting these conditions in ICD-10-CM.
National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits and Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE) can throw a wrench in the Medicare billing process, delaying appropriate revenue. Learn how to apply recent guidance and best practices to resolve challenging edits.
Approximately 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5% of the U.S. population, were diagnosed with diabetes in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2 and ICD-10-CM coding for these conditions.
Medicare waivers and flexibilities allow providers to deliver care via telecommunication technology during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Judith Kares, JD , reviews CPT coding for e-visits, virtual communication services, and telephone E/M services.
CMS withdrew the split/shared and critical care sections of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual and announced its intent to update coverage policies for these services. Prepare for changes to come by reviewing documentation, CPT coding, and billing guidance for split/shared and critical care services.
CPT coding for psychotherapy and psychiatric diagnostic evaluations can be challenging, especially when these services are provided with office visits. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P , breaks down documentation and CPT coding for visit services provided with psychiatric care. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
University of Michigan Health System overcharged Medicare an estimated $12.5k for polysomnography services submitted over a two-year period, according to a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. Overpayments were due to insufficient documentation and CPT coding errors.
CPT codes 63685 and 63688 for spinal neurostimulator procedures have been removed from the list of services that would require Medicare prior authorization when performed in a hospital outpatient department, CMS announced on May 13.
A relatively small 2022 ICD-10-CM update will contain 14 codes of interest to pain management practices if the proposed changes go into effect October 1. Julia Kyles, CPC , unpacks proposed updates to ICD-10-CM codes for painful chronic conditions.
In the U.S., tympanostomy tube insertion is the most common ambulatory surgery performed on children under 15, according to StatPearls. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , reviews common types of ear infections and CPT coding for myringotomies with tympanostomy tube insertion. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Joe Rivet, Esq., CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CPMA, CICA, CHRC, CHPC, CHEP, CHC, CICA, CAC, CACO , describes upcoming changes to CMS’ prior authorization program, including expansion of the program to include two additional outpatient services, effective July 1.
Joe Rivet, Esq., CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CPMA, CICA, CHRC, CHPC, CHEP, CHC, CICA, CAC, CACO, looks at the implications of a recent OIG brief on how Medicare Advantage organizations could use national provider identifiers (NPI) to monitor for fraud, waste, and abuse.
Laura Evans, CPC, and Julia Kyles, CPC, break down potentially confusing updates to the 2021 E/M guidelines, including new definitions for technical terms and revised guidance for reporting diagnostic laboratory testing with interpretation.
With the inpatient-only (IPO) list set to be phased out, HIM departments need to prepare for the larger operational and financial impacts. Consider how these changes will affect your organization.
Q: When might it be appropriate to report CPT codes for multiday electroencephalograms (EEG)? In addition, should these codes be billed on the day of initiating or ending the EEG study?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 15 million people in the U.S. report experiencing acute joint pain due to arthritis. Shelley C. Safian, Ph.D., RHIA, CCS-P, reviews ICD-10-CM and CPT coding for lower extremity arthritis and procedures used to treat it.
The monetary value of outpatient clinical documentation integrity (CDI) programs is increasing dramatically year after year. Read about steps your facility can take to create and maintain a successful outpatient CDI program.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently updated the CPT code set to include immunization and administration codes for a COVID-19 vaccine under development by Novavax Inc.
The perinatal period begins before birth and ends 28 days after delivery. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for fetal and newborn conditions originating in the perinatal period. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Laura Evans, CPC , and Julia Kyles, CPC , break down potentially confusing updates to the 2021 E/M guidelines, including new definitions for technical terms and revised guidance for reporting diagnostic laboratory testing with interpretation.
CMS’ recently released fiscal year (FY) 2022 IPPS proposed rule includes 153 proposed ICD-10-CM code additions, mainly affecting reporting for immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, gastric intestinal metaplasia, and poisonings by cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids.
Facility E/M coding reflects the volume and intensity of resources utilized by the facility during patient encounters. Joe Rivet, Esq., CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CHC, CCEP, CHRC, CHPC, CICA, CPMA, CAC, CACO , describes how facilities can create internal guidelines and point systems for determining E/M level section. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: A patient receives Apligraf® (44 sq. cm) after subcutaneous wound debridement. Ten sq. cm is applied to a diabetic foot ulcer on the patient’s left heel and 20 sq. cm to an ulcer on the patient’s right ankle. What CPT codes would the facility use to report these services?
Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) are used to represent risk scores for patients on Medicare Advantage plans. Learn why it’s important for organizations to understand how HCCs are used across settings.
Effective management of claim edits and denials is a cornerstone of a sound revenue cycle. See how your organization compares to others and what you can do to improve.
It’s always been easy to show financial return on investment for inpatient CDI endeavors, but the monetary value of outpatient programs is increasing dramatically year after year, making outpatient CDI reviews more attractive to many healthcare organizations.
Facility E/M coding reflects the volume and intensity of resources utilized by the facility during patient encounters. Joe Rivet, Esq., CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CHC, CCEP, CHRC, CHPC, CICA, CPMA, CAC, CACO , describes how facilities can create internal guidelines and point systems for determining E/M level section.
Q: A patient is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD). Can we report ICD-10-CM code E11.51 with a code from subcategory I70.2- to describe affected vessels?
Effective management of claim edits and denials is a cornerstone of a sound revenue cycle. See how your organization compares to others and what you can do to improve.
CMS recently added 24 audiology and speech-language pathology services to its list of telehealth services covered under Medicare during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). These services include speech, hearing, and swallowing assessments, and cognitive interventions.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are infectious diseases that pose a great public health risk due to their epidemic potential. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for four VHFs: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever, and Marburg virus disease. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Essential newborn care includes services provided at the time of birth and over the first hours of life. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , writes about E/M coding for these routine obstetric services.
Medicare auditors have identified failure to document time as a key flaw in claims for advance care planning (ACP), and the Office of Inspector General plans to conduct an audit of these services. Read up on documentation requirements and CPT coding for ACP to prevent claim denials.
Approximately 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5% of the U.S. population, were diagnosed with diabetes in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2 and ICD-10-CM coding for these conditions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Physician and non-physician practitioners may benefit from reviewing documentation requirements and HCPCS Level II codes for knee orthoses, according to a recent Medicare Quarterly Compliance Newsletter .
Coding for traumatic fractures is based on details about the broken bone and the event that caused the injury. Review ICD-10-CM codes and guidelines for reporting different types of traumatic fractures.
The most impactful overhaul to the E/M coding and documentation guidelines in 25 years went live January 1. The updated guidelines eliminate medical history and physical examination as required elements for reporting E/M codes 99202-99215. E/M coding for outpatient visits is now based on documentation of medical decision-making (MDM) or time spent on the encounter.
Regular monitoring and internal auditing are critical to ensure compliance throughout the revenue cycle and protect revenue integrity. Consider the different strategies that can be applied to documentation and chart audits, coding audits, and more.
Refresh your knowledge of dysphagia, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett’s esophagus, and review guidance for reporting these conditions in ICD-10-CM. 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, CPC-I, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, CCDS-O , analyzes complex E/M coding guidance for selecting an outpatient visit level on the basis of medical decision-making (MDM).
The mid-revenue cycle is rife with possibilities to lose earned, appropriate revenue. Learn how to identify common weaknesses and deploy coding and technology to avoid revenue loss.
The American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel at its February meeting approved technical corrections to the E/M coding guidelines for outpatient visits. The corrections were uploaded to the AMA website on March 9 and go into effect retroactively from January 1.
Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, CCDS-O, analyzes confusing E/M guidelines for time-based visits and prolonged services provided before or after a face-to face encounter.
Supporting accurate Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) capture is essential to success under the growing number of risk-adjusted payment models. With their strong knowledge of coding and documentation guidelines and insight into emerging trends, coders are a key part of that strategy.
CMS recently added six codes to the list of services that may be reported with HCPCS modifier -CS (cost-sharing), which requires Medicare to cover beneficiary cost-sharing during office visits and other encounters for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Arthroscopic surgical procedures involve the insertion of a small scope into the interior of a joint, allowing the physician to view the joint without making a large incision through the skin. Review CPT coding for arthroscopic procedures of the hip and knee joints.
