In advance of ICD-10-CM/PCS, many institutions implemented computer-assisted coding (CAC) hoping to mitigate the anticipated productivity losses, but some research has confirmed my suspicions that there is an inverse relationship between coding productivity and accuracy.
Review vascular anatomy and terminology in order to aid in accurately assign codes for interventional radiology procedures such as angioplasties, atherectomies, and lower extremity revascularizations. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: If only a central vein is treated when performing treatment for an arteriovenous fistula, is it correct to report CPT code 36901 since 36907 is an add-on code?
While the 2018 OPPS final rule may be controversial for its payment cuts to drugs purchased through the 340B drug discount program, it contains several provisions supported by hospitals and other stakeholders.
A new private payer rate-based Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) system is estimated to drastically reduce Medicare Part B lab payments in 2018. Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA, details how this revision will impact providers in outpatient settings and payers tied to the Medicare CLFS.
November, a month associated with the pleasure of eating, is also Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. In this article, Yvette M DeVay, MHA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CPC-I, describes signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, and outlines best practices when assigning diagnostic and procedural codes for this disease.
In advance of ICD-10-CM/PCS, many institutions implemented computer-assisted coding (CAC) hoping to mitigate anticipated productivity losses. Erica E. Remer, MD, FACEP, CCDS, highlights some of the pitfalls of CAC and provides techniques to improve accuracy. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Candace Blankenship, BSN, RN, CCDS, details the scoring weight of the new ICD-10-CM heart failure codes and looks at potential reimbursement discrepancies as none of the new heart failure codes have been assigned to a CC/MCC.
James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, writes that in order to comply with CMS’ ever-changing metrics, it’s important for physicians to learn new techniques for better documentation so that ICD-10-CM/PCS codes can be reported more completely.
Within the span of two days last week, CMS released final rules for three comprehensive policies, which have important financial implications for hospitals, physicians, and medical professionals in 2018.
Ovarian cysts may develop at any point in a woman's life and frequently occur with other medical diseases. In this article, Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, details best practices when assigning ICD-10-CM/CPT codes for ovarian cyst diagnoses and procedures.
In order to accurately code for complex diseases and procedures of the brain, spinal cord, and sense organs, coders need a basic understanding of nervous system functionality. This article provides detailed information on nervous system anatomy and terminology, common brain and nervous system disorders, and recently introduced 2018 ICD-10-CM codes related to nervous system conditions.
More and more, hospitals are experiencing a shift of services from inpatient to outpatient settings. In this article, Laura Jacquin, RN, MBA , describes common challenges healthcare workers face when providing comprehensive documentation for services across the care continuum.
Patient care continues to move from the inpatient setting to outpatient. With this change, the challenge of securing comprehensive documentation that articulates the services rendered and the patient care provided now needs to extend across the care continuum.
