The American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel recently published changes to its E/M Services Guidelines. The update includes code revisions, additions, and deletions, which are scheduled to take effect January 1, 2023.
A broken nose is a break in the bone or cartilage over the bridge of the nose or over the septum—the structure that separates the nostrils. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , explains how to select the most specific CPT codes for nasal fracture and dislocation treatments.
This article analyzes ICD-10-CM codes for diseases that can manifest from prolonged hypertension. These codes appear throughout the ICD-10-CM manual, but most are found in Chapter 9 (Diseases of the circulatory system). Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
A handful of new ICD-10-CM/PCS codes took effect April 1. Read up on the updates and CMS’ process for implementing code changes biannually. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
In an industry that changes both quickly and frequently, keeping staff educated is important not only for your healthcare system, but for your employees’ professional growth. Catherine Sheika, BSN, RN, CCDS, writes about coding and team-building games that make even the driest topics more engaging.
Coders in acute care facilities must be comfortable assigning ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for abortions. Sarah Nehring, BS, RHIT, CCS, CCDS , breaks down ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for spontaneous and induced abortions and related complications.
Peoples Health Network received an estimated $3.3 million in overpayments between 2015 and 2016 for incorrectly billing ICD-10-CM codes from high-risk groups, according to a recent audit by the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
by Kim Conner, BSN, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O In our ever-changing landscape of healthcare, quality and prevention continue to drive the way we deliver care to our patients. As a result, social determinants...
The 2023 CPT update will shift provider consults, facility, and home-based E/M visits to a coding model based on medical decision-making (MDM) or time, according to the AMA.
Every organization’s priorities will differ, but any outpatient CDI program must determine how to measure the improvement associated with its efforts. Outpatient CDI will directly contribute to the facility’s overall quality performance and risk adjustment models.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the 2023 ICD-10-CM code set and ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Review key ICD-10-CM updates including new codes for dementia, head injuries, and long-term drug therapy.
Sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome are historically difficult to document and report in ICD-10-CM. Alba Kuqi, MD, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSCM , breaks down sepsis definitions and outlines a process for query creation.
CMS recently published its first quarter HCPCS Application Summaries and Coding Recommendations, which, included 22 requests to establish new HCPCS Level II codes for drugs and biologicals and CMS' final HCPCS coding decisions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the fiscal year (FY) 2023 ICD-10-CM code set and ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Review key ICD-10-CM updates including new codes for dementia, head injuries, and long-term drug therapy.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood exerted against the artery walls is higher than normal for a prolonged period. This article explains hypertension pathophysiology and ICD-10-CM coding for the condition. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The 3-day payment rule is known to coders by various names such as the 72-hour rule, the 3-day payment window, or MS-DRG window policy. Kimberly Lee M.Ed., RHIA, CCS-P , describes how to navigate the rule’s nuances for billing purposes.
Q: Based on National Correct Coding Initiative Manual guidelines, CMS allows facilities to bill 1 unit of CPT code 94640 per episode of care regardless of the number of treatments provided. Should you bill 1 unit of CPT code 94640 even if the service was performed three times?
Hospitals have made avoiding and managing denials a top priority, but for many, their best efforts have yet to turn the tide. Take steps to address compliance concerns and reduce denial rates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the fiscal year (FY) 2023 ICD-10-CM code set and ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting , introducing new codes and guidance for reporting dementia, head injuries, and long-term drug therapy.
Coding a chart with a sepsis diagnosis requires careful attention to detail. Alba Kuqi, MD, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSCM , reviews sepsis documentation, ICD-10-CM coding requirements, and quality measures for public reporting.
Cranial diagnoses present with varied symptoms and require an individualized approach to treatment. Brush up on documentation and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for neuroendoscopy, posterior fossa decompression, and embolectomy/thrombectomy procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently announced that it released a new HCPCS Level II code for AstraZeneca's EVUSHELD COVID-19 antibody treatment, effective for dates of service on or after February 24. The initial dose authorized for use during the public health emergency has been changed to 600 mg for pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19.
Many factors influence the identification of a primary diagnosis, including varying provider documentation styles and health record nuances. Holly Cassano CPC, CRC, navigates challenges that come with selecting an appropriate primary diagnosis code.
The National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Policy Manual for Medicare Services is used to control improper coding leading to inappropriate payment for Part B services. This article provides an in-depth overview of 2022 updates to the NCCI Manual including new and revised reporting guidance. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Modifier -JW is used to describe drug amounts that are discarded and not administered to any patient. Refresh your knowledge of this modifier with coding tips and example scenarios.
Q: What clinical criteria should coders use to support ICD-10-CM code assignment for upcoming 2023 dementia codes in category F02 (dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere)?
Various ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT codes may be used to report hospital services for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Review Q&As on appropriate coding for COVID-19 laboratory testing, comorbidities, and treatments.
Inpatient coding for brain surgery can be challenging as many approaches, techniques, and devices may be used to treat cranial abnormalities. Read up on reporting requirements and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for craniotomies and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently released the fiscal year (FY) 2023 ICD-10-PCS code set and ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting . The ICD-10-PCS update includes several new codes for Destruction and Occlusion, and a new guideline for Detachment procedures of the extremities.
Correct present on admission (POA) identification and use of POA indicators is important, as these indicators directly affect how insurance providers and patients are billed. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down POA reporting requirements and payment implications.
Various ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT codes may be used to report hospital services for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Review Q&As on appropriate coding for COVID-19 laboratory testing, comorbidities, and treatments.
Ongoing labor shortages and a competitive hiring market are putting a strain on HIM departments. As competition for qualified staff increases, learn how HIM leaders can turn to a variety of short- and long-term fixes and even find opportunities for improvement.
Hospital coding for wound procedures is notoriously difficult, as the process can seem as messy as the injuries themselves. Clarify wound documentation and guidance for reporting wound diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes.
Coding a chart with a sepsis diagnosis requires careful attention to detail. Alba Kuqi, MD, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSCM , reviews sepsis documentation, ICD-10-CM coding requirements, and quality measures for public reporting.
Coding managers should not assume that they can review every coding guideline, Coding Clinic , or coding-related issue targeted by the Office of Inspector General. Review considerations for conducting focused internal and external audits.
Modifier -JW is used to describe drug amounts that are discarded and not administered to any patient. Refresh your knowledge of this modifier with coding tips and example scenarios.
Approximately 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 20% of them don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review the signs and symptoms of diabetes and guidelines for reporting the condition in ICD-10-CM. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Items eligible for CMS’ New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) often yield high reimbursement but are prone to charging, coding, and billing errors. Learn about the NTAP designation and its impact on coding and billing processes.
The establishment of mandatory sepsis protocols at all hospitals in New York state is estimated to have saved more than 16,000 lives between 2015 and 2019, according to End Sepsis.
A cesarean section is typically performed when complications from pregnancy make a traditional vaginal birth difficult. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for common labor and delivery complications, and ICD-10-PCS coding for cesarean deliveries.
Hospital coding for wound procedures is notoriously difficult, as the process can seem as messy as the injuries themselves. Clarify wound documentation and guidance for reporting wound diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Although many provisions of the 2022 OPPS final rule are a light lift for hospitals, several have far-reaching implications. Apply these expert tips to ensure you're up to speed and aware of compliance pitfalls.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently announced an editorial update to the CPT code set for COVID-19 vaccines that includes new codes for Pfizer-BioNTech’s booster vaccine and Sanofi-GlaxoSmithKline’s (Sanofi-GSK) vaccine candidate.
Q: What is the best way to determine if an E/M service is above and beyond the physician work normally associated with a procedure to justify the use of modifier -25?
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a group of services provided by pharmacists that involve active management of drug therapy. Review CPT coding, the role of pharmacists, and documentation tips associated with MTM.
CMS is proposing to hit pause on major changes to MS-DRG designations while considering numerous changes to quality reporting and value programs, according to the fiscal year 2023 IPPS proposed rule. Read up on CMS’ proposed updates, which will impact inpatient hospitals beginning October 1. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection caused by inhaled oral or gastric contents. Alba Kuqi, MD, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSCM , breaks down documentation and ICD-10-CM coding requirements for aspiration pneumonia.
Revenue leakage can be caused by a number of factors including late filings, inconsistent documentation, and inaccurate coding. Fran Jurcak, MSN, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O , describes proactive strategies that coding professionals can use to address mid-revenue cycle leakage.
Hospitalists coded a significantly higher proportion of Medicare beneficiaries as high severity compared to non-hospitalists, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum .
Sometimes even the most seasoned revenue integrity professionals get stumped trying to navigate the maze of billing, charging, and coding rules that govern chargemaster structure. Review expert answers to perplexing chargemaster questions.
CMS’ recently released fiscal year (FY) 2023 IPPS proposed rule includes 1,179 proposed ICD-10-CM code additions, mainly affecting reporting for dementia, concussions, and injuries due to motor vehicle collisions. The code changes, if finalized, would take effect October 1, 2022.
Determination of what is medically necessary for any given diagnosis is set forth by the healthcare industry’s Standard of Care. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , unpacks local and national medical necessity standards and best practices for avoiding denials due to inadequate documentation .
Podiatry is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders or deformities of the foot and ankle. Read up on foot and ankle anatomy and CPT coding for hallux valgus and rigidus corrections, cock-up fifth toe repairs, toe amputations, and more. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS is proposing to hit pause on major changes to MS-DRG designations while considering numerous changes to quality reporting and value programs, according to the fiscal year 2023 IPPS proposed rule. Read up on CMS’ proposed updates, which will impact inpatient hospitals beginning October 1.
Approximately 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 20% of them don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review the signs and symptoms of diabetes and guidelines for reporting the condition in ICD-10-CM.
As a result of the pandemic, delivering consistent, quality CDI education has become more challenging. My hospital has been no exception, and although adapting has not been easy, it is doable.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , describes the difference between an implant and a foreign body removal and outlines CPT coding for these procedures.
Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, unpacks local and national medical necessity standards and best practices for avoiding denials due to inadequate documentation .
CMS released the fiscal year (FY) 2023 IPPS proposed rule on April 18, with proposals for the annual ICD-10-CM/PCS code update and increases to hospital payment rates. The rule also introduces new quality measures aimed at advancing health equity and improving maternal health outcomes.
Inpatient coders must be familiar with different types of denials such as those due to clinical validity concerns. Alba Kuqi, MD, MSHIM, CDIP, CCS, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSMC, RHIA, CCM , outlines components of a clinical validation denial and tools used to craft a clinical validation appeal.
Reviewing a sample of claims for clinical validity and coding accuracy can seem like a daunting task. Kaitlin Loos, RN, BSN, CDI auditor, and Molly Siebert, RHIA, CCDS, CDI specialist, describe their individualized review processes.
Coding managers should not assume that they can review every coding guideline, Coding Clinic , or coding-related issue targeted by the Office of Inspector General. Review considerations for conducting focused internal and external audits. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Certain provider services such as acupuncture and cosmetic surgery are not reimbursed by Medicare. This article describes when and how to apply HCPCS modifiers for non-covered services.
Although most organizations do a good job of tracking denials by reason, payer, and volume, they miss the mark when communicating information about appeals, according to the results of HIM Briefings’ 2022 Denials Management Survey.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , describes the difference between an implant and a foreign body removal and outlines CPT coding for these procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
A New York City provider received an estimated $1.1 million in Medicare overpayments for behavioral health services that did not comply with billing requirements, according to a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report.
A recent audit conducted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) projected that hospitals received $47.8 million in net overpayments from January 2018 through July 2019 for Medicare Part A claims that did not meet national requirements or contractor specifications for bariatric surgery.
Monitoring coding accuracy enables coding managers to spot error trends that could result in claim denials. Rose T. Dunn, MBA, RHIA, CPA, FACHE, FHFMA, CHPS , describes two methods used to calculate coding accuracy based on a sample of claims.
Nancy Treacy, MPH, RHIA, CDIP, CCS , describes her team’s experience implementing a streamlined audit process and offers advice to help others do the same. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Physician service modifier -FT for unrelated E/M visits provided on the same day has been a source of confusion for many coding and billing professionals. Review the latest coding and billing guidance for reporting this modifier.
Facilities can limit their exposure to claim denials and external reviews by implementing a robust internal coding compliance program. This article breaks down components of a coding policy and compliance plan and approaches to monitoring coding quality. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently released an update to the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Procedure-to-Procedure (PTP) edit files, introducing more than 4,000 new CPT code pairs. The PTP edits took effect April 1 and primarily involve codes found in the pathology and laboratory section of the CPT Manual .
Bruxism, or excessive teeth grinding, is a common condition that is often brought on by stress and anxiety . Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , describes the causes and symptoms of bruxism and ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
Facilities can limit their exposure to claim denials and external reviews by implementing a robust internal coding compliance program. This article breaks down components of a coding policy and compliance plan and approaches to monitoring coding quality.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health Statistics. Shelley Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CIC , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for common types of anxiety disorders and psychotherapy treatments used to manage them.
Certain provider services such as acupuncture and cosmetic surgery are not reimbursed by Medicare. This article describes when and how to apply HCPCS modifiers for non-covered services.
Inpatient coders must be familiar with different types of denials such as those due to clinical validity concerns. Alba Kuqi, MD, MSHIM, CDIP, CCS, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSMC, RHIA, CCM , outlines components of a clinical validation denial and tools used to craft a clinical validation appeal.
Electronic health records (EHR) hold all the important information about patients’ medical histories and demographics. Historically, however, they have tended to only include one indication of gender: the gender a patient was assigned at birth.
Nancy Treacy, MPH, RHIA, CDIP, CCS , describes her team’s experience implementing a streamlined audit process and offers advice to help others do the same.
