By: Sheila Haynes, CPC – Coding and Compliance Manager As of January 1, 2021, codes for office/outpatient medical evaluation and management (E/M) care can be selected on the basis of the complexity of the medical decision making (MDM) or on the basis of the total time on the date of the encounter. For psychiatrists who…
The report below describes a patient undergoing a guided drain for abscess. The entire procedure has been documented in detail, describing the step-by-step process used by doctors to carry out the surgery. Keep reading for more on how this procedure was performed. Do you have a complicated surgery case that needs help with coding? RT…
Overview Important female preventive health care includes screening pap tests and pelvic exams. Medicare covers Pap smears, pelvic exams, STI and HPV screenings. A screening Pap test is the laboratory test used to detect early cervical cancer. A screening pelvic exam helps detect precancers, genital cancers, infections, STI’s, reproductive system abnormalities, and other genital/vaginal problems…
United Healthcare and Optum are launching a virtual-first health plan. This collaboration is a part of an effort to increase accessibility, especially in remote areas. Continue reading below to learn more! NavigateNOW is being touted as “a simpler, more convenient experience at approximately 15% less premium cost than traditional benefit plans.” Key Takeaways Enrollees in…
The report below describes a patient undergoing surgery for a left heart catheterization. The entire procedure has been documented in detail, describing the step-by-step process used by doctors to carry out the surgery. Keep reading for more on how this procedure was performed. Do you have a complicated surgery case that needs help with coding?…
In a recent Part B newsletter, a question came in regarding the use of clones notes. Per their response, cloned notes can get your practice into legal trouble. Question: We know that if we’re not careful our cloned notes can lead to inappropriate data in an encounter record, which in turn can lead to denials…
SCL Health is set to merge into a 33-hospital system and the merge is expected to close early next year. The purpose of the merger is to increase care quality, accessibility, and affordability. Continue reading below to learn more! Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare and Broomfield, Colo.-based SCL Health have signed a letter of intent…
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS made several policy changes that allowed Medicare beneficiaries to access a wider range of telehealth services, alleviating some of the burden and risk of an in-person encounter at a healthcare facility. This coverage was established due to the public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19. The coverage began on…
The AMA has announced a CPT code set that is ready for third doses of COVID-19 vaccines. This code set applies to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and is ready for immediate use as third doses of the vaccine have been approved. Continue reading below to learn more! CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA)…
Surgeons balk at CMS’ payment rule after CMS announced payment updates for 2022. The American College of Surgeons opposes this latest update and feels it is not a sustainable long-term solution. Continue reading below for their statement. Shortly after CMS unveiled its proposed Physician Fee Schedule for 2022, the American College of Surgeons released a…