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.
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.
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.
Documentation is crucial for the development of data reflecting the healthcare needs of domestic violence victims. Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPMA, CPC, CIC, CPC-I , explains how to properly screen for and code incidents of domestic violence.
The new ICD-10-CM codes for FY 2018, effective October 1, represent significant changes in some hospital documentation and coding practices. James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, CDIP, CCDS , reviews some of the most significant revisions to the ICD-10-CM guidelines for 2018.
A Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) study showed insufficient documentation causes most improper payments for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, according to the October 2017 Medicare Quarterly Compliance Newsletter .
Whether big or small, crooked or straight, the nose is a vital component of the human respiratory system. There will be extra focus on nasal anatomy in 2018, as the CPT® codes for nasal endoscopies were revised. Brush up on nasal anatomy to prepare for reporting these new codes. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The October 2017 OPPS quarterly update introduced 12 new proprietary laboratory analysis CPT codes as well as a new modifier for a biosimilar biological product.
Compliance is more than just abiding by coding guidelines and payer policy. Coding professionals must become familiar with ethical standards and federal regulations to avoid facing denials or federal penalties. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: Our vascular physician prescribes exercise to some of his patients who have peripheral artery disease and wants to provide the exercise program in the office because he wants to have these patients monitored closely for their response. Is there a way to get reimbursed for this?
The 2018 update to the ICD-10-CM code set introduced a number of new gynecological codes, and Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC , writes about the significance and distinguishing details of the new codes.
The best time to determine code edits is when the account is coded, meaning coding professionals play a key role in establishing overarching principles and best practices for edit management.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the U.S. Peggy Blue, MPH, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, writes about common symptoms and treatments as well as proper ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
