Vaping and E-cigarette use by young adults has grown over the past few years. While many are ignoring the effects of using these products, the CDC and CMS have released addendums regarding these products after the World Health Organization confirmed the side effects of vapes and e-cigarettes. Read below for more on these important updates…
Last week, we briefly described the X modifier series and when to substitute these new modifiers. Below are a few scenarios from the NCCI policy manual you can refer to when using these modifiers.* The CCI bundle involving column 1 code 45385 (Flexible colonoscopy with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or lesion[s] by snare technique) and…
It has been several years since CMS released the X modifier series, are you using these correctly or not at all? In an end of year survey, published in Part B News, 78% of respondents said they had reported an X modifier in 2019. The creation of the X modifier series is to report with…
The new year is a time for change, and many look at it as a time of reform. So as you make those resolutions to get back to the gym just remember that as we all get older, our bodies take longer to heal. Happy 2020! X50.0XX- Overexertion from strenuous movement or load [lifting heavy…
Seasons Greetings! The holidays are a time filled with love and laughter as we spend time with the ones closest to us. So while you’re out at family get together’s or running to the shops for the last-minute gifts here are a few codes to watch out for. Read below for some of the important…
As we approach 2020, we are gearing up for the changes that are making headway the coming year. Below are some of the updates that have been released regarding E/M changes, the final rule, and the physician fee schedule. For more information read below. For more on the services RT Welter provides contact us at…
This week we wanted to take a different approach to our surgery procedure coding and talk about a diagnosis in a TTE. Read below for an example of coding TTE’s. Example: Coding TTE’s that has aortic valve stenosis with mitral valve insufficiency. [Since the provider does not specifically state that the cause of the valve…
It is a word that brings dread to most people, AUDIT. The stress of an audit is real and can be felt just by walking into the room. So what can be done to help prevent all the drama? The short answer, like most things, is to be prepared. Get a plan in place and…
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at RT Welter. We want to thank our partners and clients for their continuous support and business throughout the year. We are so grateful to you. We wish you a safe holiday with your loved ones. Overeating (R63.2) is defined in medical terms as “to eat to excess, especially…
Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP’s) have been a hot topic for several years. Among several new codes set to be implemented January 1st are new HCPCS codes specifically for OTP’s. Here are two sequences to be aware of: GYYY1-GYYY3 (office-based treatment) GXXX1-GXX19 (medication-assisted treatment) These new codes will reimburse with bundled payments for the treatment of…