Medical Coding Pro - Medicare Physician Pay Cut Update

Published: Mon, 03/08/10


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Medicare Physician Pay Cut Update - 2010-03-03 11:36:33-05
On Tuesday evening, the Senate passed H.R. 4691, which freezes the Medicare conversion factor at current levels through March 31. Because of this vote, you will not face the 21% pay cut until April 1, explains Part B Insider editor, Torrey Kim. Hopefully by that point, a more permanent fix will have been introduced. “The Senate [...] Related articles:
  1. Physician Fee Schedule Update: An Extension for the Temporary Conversion Fix?Fear not: The CF may stay until autumn, but the...
  2. SGR Update: What’s Up With That 21 Percent Physician Pay Cut? Here’s what you should be watching on Capitol Hill....
  3. How Obama’s Medicare Cuts Hit Physician Reimbursement  The budget released Thursday suggests we cut $300 billion from...


Read more: http://medicalcodingpro.com/wordpress/703/medicare-physician-pay-cut-update/



Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out Fast - 2010-03-04 14:21:15-05
Check your 2010 consultation coding savvy. Find out if you’re set to properly code your physician’s consultation services this year by tackling three problems and their solutions. Check With Your MAC for Guidance When your physician sees a Medicare inpatient and would have used an inpatient consultation code, this year you should report an [...] Related articles:
  1. Think You Understand the New Consult Rules? Find Out FastTest your 2010 consultation coding understanding with these questions. Consultation...
  2. Ask 3 Questions to Head Off 2010 Consult Problems Before They Start Ever used an unlisted E/M code? Get ready. By...
  3. CMS Will Offer New Modifier to Denote Admitting Physician on ClaimsPop the champagne cork & get ready for brand new...


Read more: http://medicalcodingpro.com/wordpress/705/think-you-understand-the-new-consult-rules-find-out-fast-2/



E/M Coding: Use Current Diagnosis to Support E/M Visit - 2010-03-05 01:05:41-05
Don’t forget to include the code for the arthrocentesis. Question: A new patient sees the orthopedist because of shoulder problems. The physician schedules an MRI and the patient returns the following week to discuss the findings. The physician had already reviewed the films and goes over them in depth with the patient. He also administered a [...] Related articles:
  1. ICD-9 Coding for Rotator Cuff Pain: 727.61 or 840.4?Question: In treating pain stemming from an injury to the...
  2. Orthopedic Coding Quick Start Guide: ASC Shoulder ProceduresShoulder ICD-9 and CPT codes you’ll most likely see in...
  3. Rotator Cuff Repair Coding: Catch the Arthroscopy Every Time Acute or chronic? A $60 difference is at stake....


Read more: http://medicalcodingpro.com/wordpress/708/em-coding-use-current-diagnosis-to-support-em-visit/



EM Coding: Should I Select 99211 for Most Med Checks? - 2010-03-06 14:22:07-05
Insurers might want to see a clear explanation as to why the E/M was necessary. Question: An established patient with a plan of care in place for her gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reports to the gastroenterologist; two weeks ago, the gastroenterologist started her on Nexium (esomeprazole). One of the practice’s nonphysician practitioners (NPPs) evaluates the patient, [...] Related articles:
  1. Select the Correct V Code Every Time for Pediatric Well-ChecksDenials possible without separate ICD-9s for immunization admin, supply. Do...
  2. Is E/M Possible Pre-Colonoscopy? Question: A local family physician refers a patient to our...
  3. Counseling Must Dominate Exception Claims For Seamless PaymentChoose the service level using the documented history, exam, and...


Read more: http://medicalcodingpro.com/wordpress/710/em-coding-should-i-select-99211-for-most-med-checks/



Achieve Modifier 25 Success in Just 3 Easy Steps - 2010-03-08 08:14:34-05
Understand ‘significant’ and ‘separate’ to earn a gold star. Knowing when to report modifiers and choosing the best one for each situation can be an easy trip-up for coders. If you find yourself especially befuddled by modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the [...] Related articles:
  1. Modifier Cheat Sheet: Banish Your E/M Modifier Phobias ForeverOnce you have this tool, you’ll never again wonder which...
  2. Second Surgery Coding: Tips for Modifier 58, 78 SuccessDon’t let ‘unplanned’ lead to ‘unpaid.’ The next time a...
  3. Modifier 57 Alone Should Preclude the Need for 25 Medicare carriers don’t require you to append both modifiers....


Read more: http://medicalcodingpro.com/wordpress/712/achieve-modifier-25-success-in-just-3-easy-steps/