Recently, we told you about the importance of getting the right people to handle your coding and billing. But the work doesn't stop once you've hired the best staff or outsourced with a reputable billing company. To keep on top of changes and compliance issues, training is essential. Here are answers to the classic five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why, and the bonus, H: … [Read more...] about Boost revenue by training all staff on coding
Coding
Start local managers group to make job easier
"It doesn't matter if there are three people or five or 20," says the manager of an internal specialty medical office in Tennessee. It's worth the effort to set up a local management group. She did that in her area years ago and still finds it useful. The setup was not difficult. It was just a matter of calling the other managers and saying, "Why don't we get together and … [Read more...] about Start local managers group to make job easier
Diseases of the circulatory system expanded in ICD-10
By Judy Monestime bio Chapter 9 of ICD-10 CM ranges from I00 to I99. This chapter contains an expanded number of specific codes that describe coronary, cerebral, and vascular diseases. "Use additional code to identify" notes appear throughout the chapter to direct the coder to identify exposure to, history of current use of, and dependence on tobacco. Codes also specify the … [Read more...] about Diseases of the circulatory system expanded in ICD-10
Model Tool: Certification table – billing and coding
Why you need this tool: Credentials serve as notification that you have acquired a certain level of knowledge and professional status. As such, they enhance your standing at your current job and your marketability should you seek a new position. How this tool helps you: You may already be eligible, or almost eligible, for billing and coding certifications. How to use this … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Certification table – billing and coding
Use all available ICD-10 codes for glaucoma
By Judy Monestime bio Chapter 7 of ICD-10 CM codes in the range of H40-H42 describes specific forms of glaucoma. The official guidelines describe the requirement to assign as many codes from category H40 as needed to identify the type of glaucoma, the affected eye, and the glaucoma stage. The stage of glaucoma is specified with the seventh character: 0-Stage … [Read more...] about Use all available ICD-10 codes for glaucoma
Neoplasm codes changed in ICD-10
By Judy Monestime bio Watch for changes in neoplasm codes in ICD-10 CM. Chapter 2 of ICD-10 CM, ranging from C00 to D49, includes neoplasm codes which provide greater detail than ICD-9-CM codes for reporting neoplasms. The chapter includes these blocks C00-C14 Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx C15-C26 Malignant neoplasms of digestive … [Read more...] about Neoplasm codes changed in ICD-10
10 accurate acronyms ensure you get paid
Medical coding is primarily numbering, but acronyms are also important for accurate billing. Here are 10 of the most common. Keep this list handy for reference: CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)—Division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. EDI (Electronic … [Read more...] about 10 accurate acronyms ensure you get paid
Eye diseases get their own new coding section under ICD-10
By Judy Monestime bio Chapter 7 is a new chapter in ICD-10 CM. No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you; in ICD-10 CM, they get their own chapter. These conditions were previously included with Chapter 6, Diseases of the Nervous System and Sense Organs chapter in ICD-9 CM. Now they are covered in ICD-10 CM Chapter 7: Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa (H00-H59). ICD-10 … [Read more...] about Eye diseases get their own new coding section under ICD-10
How to use Modifier 24 and 25
By Aimee Wilcox, MA, CST, CCS-P Modifier 24 is reported as follows: Append only to Evaluation and Management (EM) codes. Use only to report an EM service beginning the day after a procedure performed by the same physician during the past 10 or 90 postoperative days. The patient's record must document that the EM service was solely for the treatment of an underlying condition … [Read more...] about How to use Modifier 24 and 25
Get ready now for critical ICD-10 deadline
ICD-10 takes effect October 1, 2015, which doesn’t leave much time to prepare – especially when you consider the dramatic impact the new code sets will have on medical offices from the standpoint of staffing, training, and, perhaps most significant of all, financial management. Many physician practices have not started down the ICD-10 path, says Ira Shapiro, CEO of The … [Read more...] about Get ready now for critical ICD-10 deadline