Although the New Year marked the deadline for Version 5010 compliance, CMS recently reminded providers that it will not exercise enforcement until April 1, 2012. Despite the 90-day discretionary period, CMS urged providers that they should complete the transition to Version 5010 as soon as possible. This extension will not have any effect on the implementation date for ICD-10-CM/PCS, which remains set for October 1, 2013.
Our coding experts answer your questions about determining ED visit level, coding open reduction and internal fixation of a radius fracture, and coding image-guided minimally invasive lumbar decompression.
Fortunately for providers, CMS decided not to cap outpatient payment rates for cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) procedures at the standardized inpatient rate. The agency announced its decision as part of the CY 2012 OPPS final rule released November 1, 2011.
In this month's issue, you will find in-depth anaylsis of the OPPS Final Rule and a discussion on how to properly set charges to avoid payment reductions. In addition, we continue our occassional series of ICD-10 anatomy refreshers with the eye and our experts answer your coding questions.
Learn about CMS' bundled payment initiative, computer-assisted coding, the need to scrutinize physician documentation, and new Medicaid rules, and save the Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies 2011 Index for future reference.
Removal sounds like it should be an easy root operation in ICD-10-PCS. Removal means taking something out, right? Physicians remove things all the time—your appendix, a cyst, the toy your son stuck...
When a physician frees a body part from an abnormal physical constraint by cutting or by use of force, coders will use the root operation release (N) in ICD-10-PCS. Keep in mind, though, that you...
The Medicare Code Editor (MCE) is software that detects and reports errors in the coding on claims that are submitted for payment. All Part A inpatient discharges and transfers pass through the MCE...
In ICD-10-PCS, coders assign the root operation bypass (third character 1) when the surgeon’s objective in the procedure is to reroute the contents of a tubular body part. Bypass procedures includes...
In the medical and surgical section of ICD-10-PCS, character 5 refers to the approach or method used to reach or expose a body part during a procedure. As a result, coders will need to look for...
CMS recently posted a file that identified duplicate codes within the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM systems. The list isn’t terribly extensive, but in this atmosphere of transitioning from one system to the...
Looking for the 2012 ICD-10-CM code updates? Want to see what's included in the final regular update before implementation? Check the CMS’ ICD-10-CM and GEMS website. CMS posted the 2012 ICD-10-CM:...
Get ready to say goodbye to Coding Clinic for ICD-9 , and hello to Coding Clinic for ICD-10 . The AHA will cease publication of its ICD-9 guidance, but is already planning for an ICD-10-CM/PCS...
For those who work in environments where codes from category V57 (care involving use of rehabilitation procedures) are a staple, you be surprised to learn that when it comes to ICD-10-CM, all V57...
Late effects are considered to be the residual effects after the acute phase of an illness, disease, or injury. Typically, late effects are considered chronic conditions and can result from the...
CMS’ Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS) won’t enforce compliance with the HIPAA 5010 transaction set until March 31, 2012, the agency announced November 17 . The 90-day delay will not...
