In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, CMS has expanded patient access to telehealth services, allowing beneficiaries to receive a wide range of services without having to visit a healthcare facility.
HIM directors’ and managers’ salaries have largely held steady, but the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is making itself felt. Learn how your salary compares to your peers’ and what you can do to improve your earning power in the future.
Judith L. Kares, JD, writes about the unique coverage, billing, and payment rules that apply to these blood products and related services under Part B.
As the U.S. slowly tries to recover from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the country might not ever be the same. States have been trying to reopen to regain their local economy, but in April, the U.S. unemployment rate was at the highest it’s ever been since the Great Depression.
Physicians can be a bit prickly at times. While this statement intentionally downplays the behavior of (hopefully) only a few doctors, I believe that most physicians are amenable to CDI concepts. While attempting to effect change in physician documentation patterns, I’ve learned many lessons from my medical staff and from other creative CDI colleagues.
Cathy Farraher Nakhoul, RN, BSN, MBA, CCM, CCDS , describes simple actions you can take to show appreciation for providers and make education unobtrusive during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
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.
Valerie Rinkle, MPA, CHRI , breaks down updated CMS guidance for reporting virtual clinic visits and other telehealth services rendered at on- and excepted off-campus provider-based departments.
Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) reported that several outpatient claims did not meet medical necessity requirements for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy for diabetic wounds of the lower extremities, according to the July 2020 Medicare Quarterly Provider Compliance Newsletter .
To deal with the rising rate of infection and increased hospital admissions for extraordinarily sick patients due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), CDI teams have had to act quickly by adapting to remote work, modifying CDI practices, and more.
Sarah Nehring, CCS, CCDS , says to ensure ICD-10-PCS coding accuracy and appropriate MS-DRG assignment, inpatient coders must understand the device being inserted and how to apply the coding conventions and guidelines for pacemaker-related procedure coding. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC , writes that certain clinical indicators provide strong support for a diagnosis of acute-on-chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) in adults. Because of this, it’s important for inpatient coders to familiarize themselves with baselines and clinical indicators in order to ensure accurate reporting.
According to a recent audit by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG), Ohio State University Hospital received millions in overpayments during an audit period due to errors in coding, MS-DRG assignment, and billing.
Q: We have a patient who gave birth while admitted for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). How should this be reported and sequenced in ICD-10-CM and which MS-DRG would this be assigned to?
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.
Q: A child presents to the ED with a closed fracture of his left hand. The physician performs a two-view hand x-ray that shows a small fracture. The physician reduces the fracture and performs a one-view x-ray to ensure alignment. Which CPT® codes and modifiers would be used to report the physician’s services?
Recently published CMS guidance clarifies billing requirements for services rendered via telecommunications technology during the public health emergency. Valerie Rinkle, MPA, CHRI , breaks down the updated guidance as it applies to outpatient services provided at alternative care sites such as patient homes.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently announced a new CPT® code for reporting antigen testing performed on patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The new code is intended to improve reporting of antigen tests using an immunofluorescent or immunochromatographic technique for detection of COVID-19.
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.
