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.
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.
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.
Changes to office E/M guidelines, effective January 1, 2021, will give providers the option to code based on the total time they spend on a patient’s care per date of service. Prepare for these changes by reviewing rules for time-based E/M documentation and code selection.
Q: When would it be appropriate to apply modifier -62 (two surgeons) on claims for spinal procedures performed by co-surgeons, and what effect would this have on physician reimbursement?
CMS on April 30 released an interim final rule with regulatory relief for hospital outpatient departments. In this article, Kimberly A. Hoy, JD, CPC , reviews Medicare provisions that allow outpatient departments to bill services at alternate locations during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
Outpatient coders must be able to assign E/M codes for the providers’ work and resources utilized by the facility during emergency visits. This article takes a close look at facility E/M coding and payment for visit services rendered in Type A and Type B emergency departments (ED). Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently published details on prior authorization requirements, established by the 2020 OPPS final rule, for select hospital outpatient department (HOPD) services, scheduled to go into effect July 1.
Review up-to-date novel coronavirus (COVID-19) documentation tips, ICD-10-CM and CPT coding guidance, and advice for ensuring billing compliance during the public health emergency.
Physician practices have started reopening to patients but are not expecting a return to normal anytime soon. They continue to struggle with staffing shortages and lost revenue due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Coding audits are commonly used to determine the need for focused coder education and training. Learn about key considerations for conducting coding audits and summarizing significant audit findings.
Even experienced coders have difficulty adhering to CPT reporting guidelines for wound care procedures. Review Medicare’s medical necessity requirements for debridement procedures and CPT coding for wound care services delivered via interactive audio and video. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS issued the proposed lists of new, revised, and invalidated ICD-10-CM codes May 11 in conjunction with the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. The update will be significantly larger than the FY 2020 ICD-10-CM update if all the proposed changes are finalized.
Read up on new CMS policies that expand COVID-19 care, ramp up diagnostic testing, and loosen restrictions on billing for telehealth services during the public health emergency.
Diagnosis codes for neurologic disorders are widespread throughout the ICD-10-CM manual. In this article, Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC , breaks down ICD-10-CM code selection for cerebrovascular diseases, transient cerebral ischemic attacks, and peripheral neuropathies.
