Documentation is crucial for the development of data reflecting the healthcare needs of domestic violence victims. Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPMA, CPC, CIC, CPC-I , explains how to properly screen for and code incidents of domestic violence.
The best time to determine code edits is when the account is coded, meaning coding professionals play a key role in establishing overarching principles and best practices for edit management.
Providers in some states may soon discover a big hurdle to clear when seeking to report a set of apheresis services after one MAC tightened up physician supervision requirements.
E/M services are some of the most frequently used CPT codes, and they are also some of the most frequent examples of incorrect coding. One of the problem areas in selecting the proper E/M code is distinguishing between new and established patients. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The Quality Payment Program proposed rule seems to bring relief to providers anticipating escalation of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) requirements, but there are a plethora of reasons for coding professionals to start adapting their workflow for MACRA now. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
As CMS and third-party payers have looked for ways to treat patients in the outpatient setting and reduce inpatient volumes, CMS has used the 2-midnight rule, in addition to other methods, to treat patients as outpatients or in observation whenever possible.
CMS Special Edition article 1609 was released in April to clarify CMS’ policy on prolonged drug and biological infusions using an external pump. Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA , breaks down that article and discusses its billing and reimbursement implications in the first of this two-part series.
In the second part of a two-part series on SE1609, Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA , distinguishes between CPT code 96416 and HCPCS code G0498 for billing and reimbursement purposes while outlining how practices can achieve compliance with CMS’ current external pump policy.
CMS released the fiscal year 2018 IPPS proposed rule in April, and with it came a bevy of new potential ICD-10-CM codes. The update includes a total of 406 proposed new, revised, and deleted codes to be implemented October 1, 2017.
HCCs are the basis for risk adjustments for reimbursement models like Medicare Advantage, accountable care organizations, and other value-based purchasing measures such as Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary. Poor understanding and application of HCCs mean that a hospital’s patients may be much sicker in reality than they appear to be on paper, and that will hit reimbursement hard.
The human eye may be small, but it’s one of the most complex organ systems in the body. Review the anatomy of the eye and how to code for conditions affecting the system, including new details for 2017.
Coders have likely noticed that the 2017 CPT Manual features big changes for reporting moderate sedation. Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP, writes about how to define moderate sedation and includes tips on reporting the new codes appropriately.
The 2017 ICD-10-CM updates included a significant number of additions to digestive system diagnoses, especially codes for pancreatitis and intestinal infections. These codes are largely focused in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and a review of the anatomy of this body system could help improve accurate documentation interpretation and code selection.
Review the bones of the pelvic girdle, along with the differences in the bones between genders, and ICD-10-CM coding conventions to properly code fractures of the pelvis.
Coding managers cannot always monitor every guideline update or coding-related issue targeted by the Office of Inspector General. Rose T. Dunn, MBA, RHIA, CPA, FACHE, FHFMA, CHPS, reviews what a coding manager can do during a coding audit and how to implement a plan.
Many coders may know that the human body contains 206 bones, but they may not realize that more than 10% of them are in the cranium. In addition to reviewing skull anatomy, examine common ICD-10-CM codes for skull conditions.
The 2017 CPT update didn’t include a huge amount of changes, but new codes have replaced the previous ones for dialysis circuit coding. Stacie L. Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, CIRCC, RCC, reviews the new codes and what services are included in each.
Complex chronic care management services can be challenging to accurately tabulate and report. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, CDIP, writes about how billers and coders can work with providers to report them accurately.
