Arthroscopic procedures allow surgeons to use minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to treat conditions which previously required more intensive, open surgery. Learn about orthopedic anatomy and terminology and CPT guidelines for reporting arthroscopic hip and knee procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: A physician performs a hemiarthroplasty for a hip fracture. Would this procedure be reported with CPT code 27125 (hemiarthroplasty, hip, partial [e.g., femoral stem prosthesis, bipolar arthroplasty])?
Review advice from experts on accurate documentation and CPT coding for chronic care management, knee injection services, and health and behavior assessments.
The beginning of a new year typically brings new resolutions to deal with weight-related issues. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, HCISPP , writes about ICD-10-CM coding for common weight-related diagnoses such as obesity and anorexia, and CPT coding for interventions used to treat them.
A recent study conducted by physician researchers at Stanford University highlights the challenges of CPT code-based patient classification and subsequent outcome analysis for colorectal procedures.
Q: Can you bill CPT codes 76981 (ultrasound, elastography; parenchyma [e.g., organ]) and 76982 (ultrasound, elastography; first target lesion) at the same time as CPT codes for liver and breast ultrasounds?
In the current healthcare climate the issue of medical necessity documentation, or lack thereof, is one of the most common reasons for claim denials. Review medical necessity guidance from CMS and learn how to prevent repeated denials due to improper documentation of medical necessity. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS has downgraded the supervision requirements for services performed by radiologist assistants working in medical practices, imaging centers, and radiology offices. Read about these 2019 changes to ensure accurate documentation and reporting for radiology services.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , reviews common CPT and ICD-10-CM coding and documentation errors, such as unbundling, inappropriate modifier usage, and missing information, to help coders reduce their risk from audits.
Findings show that pathologist involvement in the review and verification of CPT codes may reduce the need for code modifications at the time of sign-out auditing, according to the recent study published in the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
Even on a small scale, the implementation of an outpatient clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program can be overwhelming. Review advice from CDI specialists on developing successful outpatient CDI programs that facilitate accurate coding and billing.
The ICD-10-CM Manual was recently updated with new codes for peritonitis in association with acute appendicitis and the CPT Manual now includes new codes for gastrostomy tube replacements. Familiarize yourself with these changes to ensure accurate reporting of digestive diagnoses and treatments. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Take cues from the revised NCCI Policy Manual for Medicare Services to polish your coding and billing efforts in 2019 and avoid common infractions tied to modifier -50 (bilateral procedure).
Findings from a retrospective cohort study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine suggest that, on average, EDs may report higher-level E/M services for incarcerated individuals when compared to the general population.
A variety of therapeutic services can be used to treat patients suffering from debilitating mental health conditions. Clear up confusion surrounding CPT coding for these initial office visits, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, and psychotherapy visits. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Reporting and billing hospital observation services can be confusing, particularly when the observation stay lasts more than one day. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , writes about CPT coding for observation services based on time and the key components of the history, exam, and medical decision making of a patient.
The AMA updated the cardiovascular section of the 2019 CPT Manual to reflect advances in surgical treatment for cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and aortic stenosis. Read about new and revised codes for the implantation and removal of leadless pacemakers, cardiac rhythm monitors, and other surgical devices commonly used to treat chronic heart conditions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
