Major Challenges Face Coders in 2019 and Beyond

Published: Tue, 12/18/18

Coders have had many challenges throughout the years. When I started in the industry, we did not submit claims electronically; they were submitted on paper and we used an IBM Selectric Typewriter to complete what was then the HCFA 1500 (CMS 1500) or UB-92 (UB-04). There were a few medical policies but very few and the coding was simple. In fact, many payers did not even

Keep These ICD-10 Codes Handy for Holiday Mishaps

Besides being a time for giving and promoting peace on earth, December is the month of holiday preparation, gathering with loved ones, and celebrating. With so many festivities and too much holiday hustle and bustle, accidents happen. Here are some ICD-10 codes you may see this season.

What CMS' decision to pay separately for Exparel use means for ASCs

CMS' 2019 final payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient surgery departments included a new code allowing separate payments to ASCs that use Pacira Pharmaceuticals' non-opioid pain management drug, Exparel.

The ICD-10 code for cattle attacks & 14 other wacky codes

There's no horsing around when it comes to animal-related injuries. Here are 15 ICD-10 codes for animal-related incidents, as listed on ICD10data.com

High-Cost, High-Frequency Cases Challenge New Coders

Coders and auditors are taught to be diligent for the high frequency, high cost, and problem-prone cases as these topics are the focus on third-party reviewers. What does that mean for the new coder? The new coder may not be aware of what...