Medical Coding Pro - The ASC Coder’s Resource Guide for 2010

Published: Tue, 12/15/09

http://medicalcodingpro.com/wordpress

Hi,
 
As a benefit for being on our mailing list we are sending out a
weekly update to include links to the most recent posts on our
blog. This should give you an idea of the subject matter and if you
would like to read  further.
 
Kind Regards,
The Medical Coding Pro Team 
 
 
Coders Destination for Information

  1. The ASC Coder’s Resource Guide for 2010 - 2009-12-12 10:18:08-05
    Here’s a quick, handy way to get to all of Medicare’s new rules and reimbursement rates Ambulatory surgery center coders have a lot to learn for 2010, stressed Joanne Schade-Boyce at the ASC 2010 Coding & Reimbursement Update in Orlando. It’s absolutely essential that ASC coders study the AMA’s CPT Changes this year, Schade-Boyce recommended. Why? Because [...] Related articles:
    1. Coder’s Anatomy: ‘Dorsal’Da Dum. Da Dum. DaDumDaDumDaDum. If you can’t always remember...
    2. A Coder’s Guide to Health Care ReformQuick way to show your practice you’re prepared for the...
    3. Op Note Decoder Ring: Red Flags for Multiple ProceduresNever rely on an op note’s “procedure performed” line for...

  2. CPT 2010: Add New AV Shunt Codes to Your Toolbox - 2009-12-13 16:56:17-05
    Initial vs. additional access matters in 2010. Love them or hate them, the trend toward guidance-inclusive codes doesn’t seem to be slowing. Case in point: CPT 2010 ousts 36145 (Introduction of needle or intracatheter; arteriovenous shunt created for dialysis [cannula, fistula, or graft]) and 75790 (Angiography, arteriovenous shunt [e.g., dialysis patient], radiological supervision and interpretation) and instead [...] Related articles:
    1. Neurosurgery Shunt Coding Chart Tip: You can report +62160 if your MD documents...
    2. What Interventional Radiology Coders Should Know About CCI 15.1 EXTRA–Radiology Reimbursement WEBINAR: Do you know the difference between...
    3. Where Anesthesia Coders Go Wrong With CS Cath Placement   Your doc needs to do this to get...

  3. Surgical Coding: Scar Revision on Previous Mastectomy Site - 2009-12-15 01:00:58-05
    Tip: Find mastectomy scar revision in wound repair Question: Our surgeon performed a scar revision on the site of a previous mastectomy. The procedure involved excising a 16.5 cm curved scar before performing a layered closure. How should we code this? Answer: You should use complex wound repair codes for the scar revision procedure that you describe. [...] Related articles:
    1. Surgical Coding Mysteries: The Case of the Separate MeshBeware Separate Mesh Removal Question: The surgeon performed the following:...
    2. Surgical Coding: Modifiers 58, 78, and 79SURGICAL MODIFIER CHOICES Surgery Modifier Choices are Key to Surgery...
    3. Partial Mastectomy Coding: 19302 Vs. 19301 Plus 38500 Here’s how you know when to include a lymph...

  4. CCI 16.0: Now Allows a Modifier to Separate Hundreds of Edits - 2009-12-15 12:53:33-05
    But other new bundles that 16.0 has in store might put a dent in your reimbursement. You may still be poring through your 2010 CPT manual, but the new edition of CCI, effective Jan. 1, is already looking to make some code pairings impossible. The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) released version 16.0 earlier this week, revealing 24,060 [...] Related articles:
    1. CCI 15.1: Adhere to These Osteotomy, Laminectomy Edits You’ll need a modifier on this code pair to...
    2. CCI 15.3 Update: You Can Resubmit Dozens of Previously-Bundled 22526 ClaimsNewsflash: CCI 15.3 retroactively deletes hundreds of edit pairs, but...
    3. CCI 15.2 Retracts Neurostimulator Edits from 15.1Look for new edits that affect eye exam codes, anesthesia,...

  5. CMS Will Cover HIV Screening As Preventive Care Service - 2009-12-15 16:24:13-05
    Bonus: Effective immediately! You’re probably accustomed to CMS taking away coverage for certain services, but in an early holiday gift to practices, CMS has actually added a preventive care service to its roster of covered screenings, effective immediately. CMS issued a final decision on Dec. 8 declaring that HIV testing will now be covered for Medicare beneficiaries [...] Related articles:
    1. Show Us the Money for Primary CareAlmost everyone agrees that federal and private insurers should reimburse...
    2. Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Medicare Coding & Billing FAQ Steer clear of G0121 denials with these tips. If...
    3. Good-Bye Fee-For-Service, Hello ‘Episodes of Care’It’s not like we’re going to go back to capitation...

    6.