A multi-organizational collaborative is proving further evidence of the growing interest in behavioral health integration with primary care. Read about organizational efforts to improve collaboration between primary care and mental health providers and enhance billing for behavioral health services.
Modifiers provide a means by which a physician or facility can flag a service that has been altered by a special circumstance but has not changed in definition or code. Break down CPT guidelines for reporting hospital modifiers -25, -50, -59, -LT, and RT. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Outpatient coding for behavioral health services can be tricky given number of conditions that influence mental wellbeing. Review potentially confusing CPT coding guidelines for psychiatric evaluations, E/M visit services, and 2021 updates to ICD-10-CM codes for behavioral health. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
In a recent National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) update, CMS rolled back many of the procedural edits that it temporarily extended in light of the novel coronavirus public health emergency. Read up on the changes, including 291,274 procedure-to-procedure edits, which took effect October 1.
The American Medical Association (AMA) released two new CPT codes October 7 for reporting antigen tests that detect the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and influenza.
On January 1, new patient office visit code 99201 will be deleted from the CPT code set and coders will find revised descriptors for E/M codes 99202-99205 and 99211-99215. Read about how these changes will impact E/M leveling, medical decision-making (MDM), and code selection for outpatient visits.
CMS continues to focus on site-neutral payment policies and keeping payments down for 340B-acquired drugs in the 2021 OPPS proposed rule, released in early August. Read about these proposals which if finalized, will impact hospital billing and payment starting January 1.
Strabismus is one of the most common eye problems in children, according to Stanford Children’s Health. In this article, Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , details ICD-10-CM coding for strabismus and CPT coding for surgical treatments used to correct eye misalignment.
The final 2021 CPT, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS code sets were released last week, introducing new, revised, and deleted codes for diagnostic and procedural services and accompanying guideline changes. Read up on the changes, which will impact payment for hospital services in 2021.
Outpatient coders should be familiar with CPT reporting for knee surgeries based on information in the operative note. This article reviews the anatomy of the knee joint and CPT coding for arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures used to visualize and treat common knee conditions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS released the calendar year (CY) 2021 MPFS and OPPS proposed rules on August 3, introducing new CPT codes, reducing the PFS conversion factor by nearly 11%, and seeking commentary on how to gradually eliminate the inpatient only list.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
