Utilize Experience to Get the Coding Job You Really Want
by Barbara McCoy, CPC - August 26, 2010
Are you hiding your talents under the table? Have you considered the entirety of your work experience and education when deciding on a job in coding? Here are a few things to consider when looking for a coding job, or excelling in the one you are already in.
• What makes me unique in my work?
• What do I do better than most others I know?
• Can I communicate well with my co-workers and Physicians?
• If so, are you able to explain difficult coding concepts in layman’s terms?
• Are you more of a numbers person or a word person?
• What is your background in computers?
• Do you understand the revenue cycle of a Medical Billing office?
• How quick are you at spotting software issues that impact billing?
• Are you aware of file maintenance issues that impact reimbursement?
A Little Chocolate
by Elena Wellard - August 26, 2010
A little dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart failure. But before everyone
builds an appetite, let’s emphasize the “little.”
Tip of the Week: Ureteral Stents
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - August 26, 2010
When reporting ureteral stent placement pay close attention to the terms “antegrade” and “retrograde.” Antegrade stent placement involves entering the ureter from above through the renal pelvis while retrograde stent placement involves entering the ureter from below through the urinary bladder. Code 50393 is an example of an antegrade procedure and code 52332 is an example of a retrograde procedure.
2011 ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Code Changes
by Lori Becks, RHIA - August 19, 2010
There are approximately 129 new valid diagnosis codes that will become effective
on October 1, 2010. Many of these new additions are found in Chapter 14 among
the codes for congenital anomalies of female genital organs, in Chapter 16 under
symptoms involving the respiratory and digestive systems, and in Chapter 17 for
injuries and poisoning. Significant changes were made to the supplementary classification
chapter. Fifty-five of the new diagnosis codes effective on October 1st are new
V codes.
Understanding and Awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
by Elena Wellard - August 19, 2010
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Allied Conditions (ICD-9-CM 490-496)
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious lung disease which makes it hard to breathe. Also known by other names, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, COPD is now the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and also causes long-term disability.
The number of people who have COPD is on the rise — more than 12 million are currently diagnosed with it. And it is estimated that another 12 million may have COPD but not realize it.
This short (9 minute) video profiles the personal experiences of three people diagnosed with COPD. The video answers basic questions about the disease and its risk factors, and demonstrates how real people took steps to manage the disease and breathe easier.
Tip of the Week: Acute Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Infants (AIPHI)
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - August 19, 2010
Acute Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Infants (AIPHI)
For new ICD-9-CM code 786.31 Acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants
(AIPHI), do not confuse it with existing code 770.3 Pulmonary hemorrhage of
newborn under 28 days.
CMS Scales Back Electronic Health Record Meaningful Use Requirements
by Lauri Gray, CPC, RHIT - August 12, 2010
Physicians and other eligible professionals who want to demonstrate meaningful use of EHRs (Electronic Health Records) and qualify for federal incentives have been anxiously awaiting the release of the EHR Meaningful Use Final Rule, which was released on July 13, 2010.
An initial analysis of performance requirements in the Final Rule indicates that CMS has scaled back criteria for meaningful use in response to concerns that these criteria, as defined in the proposed rule, were set too high. In addition, some flexibility related to reporting of performance measures has been incorporated. Modifications to criteria for meaningful use in the Final Rule should make it easier for eligible professionals to successfully meet meaningful use reporting requirements and qualify for federal incentives of up to $44,000 per eligible provider, under the traditional Medicare Fee-For-Service Plan or $63,750 under Medicaid.
Take Charge of Your Health Featuring Fran Drescher
by Elena Wellard - August 12, 2010
Program Description:
It took two years for Fran Drescher to get a proper diagnosis of uterine cancer. In this video PSA, a collaboration between AHRQ and the Cancer Schmancer Foundation, Fran Drescher offers helpful advice on how to be in charge of your health.
Tip of the Week: Elevated Blood Pressure
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - August 12, 2010
If elevated blood pressure is documented in the medical record, ICD-9-CM code 796.2 should be reported instead of a code from category 401.
The Importance of Physician Documentation for Hospital Observation Coding and Billing
by Sandra Soerries, CPC, CPC-H - August 5, 2010
In November 2009, one Medicare Administrative Contractor reported lack of documentation in hospital medical records for Evaluation and Management (E&M) services. This, in turn, caused down-coding in almost every specialty reviewed. As seen from this example, documentation will make a difference in E&M code selection, as with all coding.
Observation services are coded with CPT® codes 99217-99220. Codes 99218-99220 require all three components of the E&M service to meet or exceed the criteria of the history, examination and medical decision-making. In addition to those elements, it states that it is not necessary for the patient to be located in an area designated as “observation” but that the patient is admitted in “observation” status.
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