Providers need to clean up coding for electro-acupuncture devices, according to CMS. In Special Edition MLN Matters 20001, the agency noted that some providers are incorrectly coding these devices using HCPCS Level II code L8679 (implantable neurostimulator, pulse generator, any type).
Coders will find a wide range of CPT and HCPCS Level II codes that have been assigned medically unlikely edits (MUE) this year. Review new MUE values that went live January 1 for codes involving drug injections as well as E/M, radiology, and therapy services.
Hemorrhoids are the third most common outpatient gastrointestinal diagnosis in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , writes about symptoms of hemorrhoids and CPT coding for treatment.
Q: We are seeing more fundoplication surgeries and esophageal sphincter augmentation procedures for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease at our hospital. Do you have any tips for our coders when reporting these procedures in ICD-10-PCS?
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recently published new pediatric sepsis guidelines in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine . This update includes information on a two-phase process for septic shock and guidelines for therapy start times.
Sharme Brodie, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, covers the guidance published in the Fourth Quarter 2019 issue of Coding Clinic , which includes updates for atrial fibrillations, pressure-induced deep tissue damage, and more.
William E. Haik, MD, FCCP, CDIP , details guideline changes regarding the diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia and provides criteria to clinically validate a diagnosis of Gram-negative and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia.
Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP , reviews instructional notes and reporting guidance for ICD-10-CM codes in Chapter 3 of the manual, which includes codes for diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Like other services covered by Medicare, observation must be reasonable and necessary or, in other words, medically necessary. The physician must document that they assessed patient risk to determine that the patient would benefit from observation services.
To enhance efforts to combat the opioid crisis in America, CMS policy allows for a new benefit under Medicare Part B concerning Opioid Treatment Programs.
Prior to 1983, Medicare reimbursed based on actual charges that inpatient healthcare facilities billed (often referred to as “fee-for-service” payments). The more tests, procedures, and services ordered by physicians, the more an organization was paid. This created the potential for unnecessary or excessive services, contributing to rising healthcare costs and the possibility of depleting Medicare funds.
The fiscal year (FY) 2020 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, released shortly after the FY 2020 ICD-10-CM code release, provide instructions for healthcare professionals on how to appropriately report complex diagnoses. Since FY 2020 is in full swing, now is the time to review these updates if your inpatient coding team hasn’t already.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an important report in November 2019 on antibiotic-resistant threats in the United States. This comprehensive look at the serious problem of antibiotic resistance has compelling individual stories, great graphics, and actions that healthcare institutions can take to help deal with the issue. The report is free to download. I recommend it for professionals who work in documentation and coding as the information can be applied immediately in your work environments.
ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for severe and potentially fatal heart conditions such as aortic valve stenosis (AVS), heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF) requires an in-depth understanding of anatomical terminology and clinical indications. Coders need to be able to select the most specific codes based on reported symptoms and the severity of the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the rapid spread of a novel 2019 coronavirus, formally named COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. On January 30, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern due to its sustained person-to-person spread within countries and across continental borders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the rapid spread of a novel 2019 coronavirus, formally named COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Learn about signs, symptoms, and ICD-10-CM coding for the virus. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
