Electronic Research Techniques
by Jane Goostree, CPC, CEMC - September 30, 2010
Research can be a skill in and of itself. My strength in coding is not a vast array of memorized codes or rules but an instinct for ferreting out an answer from sources recognized as the authority of a given code set or payer guidance.
My resources first and foremost are AMA CPT®, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS coding manuals which I like to access electronically. There are many different electronic versions and publishers including internet-based encoders (e.g., CodeItRightOnline™) or downloaded E-books that can be used offline. My second “go to” source of information is the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website, Part B MAC carrier, and Medicaid websites. These sites seem to change frequently and I have found that bookmarking the link to the designated page has its limitations so I tend to search a code or familiar phrase in the search bar with good results. I research commercial payer websites more typically on a post payment basis to address follow up on claim appeal issues. Medical Policies on commercial sites typically contain the information that I need.
Tip of the Week: NDC Numbers
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - September 30, 2010
Have you noticed the trend for payers to require NDC numbers on claims? To easily process this information internally, maintain the NDC numbers in CodeItRightOnline™ in the Notes section by CPT or HCPCS. Be sure to store the NDC number that is printed on the packaging of the products your clinics are using. The entire NDC number should be 11 digits in length in a 5-4-2 format minus the hyphens, 00338352541. You may have to add a zero in front of the section that is not in a 5-4-2 format. See the FDA website for more information about NDC numbers.
Comparison of Common Truncus Coding in ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM
by Lori Becks, RHIA - September 23, 2010
Overview of Common Truncus Malformation
Common truncus, also known as common arterial trunk, persistent truncus arteriosus, common aortopulmonary trunk, and truncus arteriosus communis is a congenital anomaly of the heart present from birth. The truncus arteriosus is a developing structure in the embryo. This particular congenital malformation occurs when the truncus arteriosus fails to divide properly into a normal pulmonary artery and ascending aorta. This results in a single artery arising from the ventricles from which both the aortic and the pulmonary vessels originate. A large ventricular septal defect and abnormal truncal valve are also associated with this condition.
The baby will display cyanosis present at birth along with a characteristic systolic ejection murmur heard at the left sternal border, and lung congestion, due to increased pulmonary vascularity because the lungs are being flooded with more blood than is needed coming from an artery with large amounts of pressure. The baby will suffer with congestive heart failure and have fast and labored breathing and very little strength for sucking, while tiring with feedings. Other clinical manifestations include a loud second heart sound, cardiomegaly, ventricular hypertrophy, widened pulse pressure, and pulmonary hypertension.
The Cardiac Killer
by Bradden Blair, Dean of Contexo University - September 23, 2010
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and/or medical procedures can effectively prevent or treat CAD in most people.
2010 Utah Start! Heart Walk & Run a Success!
by Elena Wellard - September 23, 2010
The Utah Start! Heart Walk & Run was held on September 18th, 2010 at Sugarhouse Park in Salt Lake City, UT. The Contexo Media team participated in the event that attracted over a thousand participants and raised a total of $124,790. The purpose of the annual walk is to raise funds and awareness about cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death in the United States.
The Contexo Media team raised $575 for the American Heart Association, and placed 15th among Utah teams. We are looking forward to the 2011 event as an opportunity to raise money for an important cause and to reach out to our local community. Please join us in our effort to fight cardiovascular disease. We will keep you updated on our fundraising progress and also how you can contribute.
We are committed to supporting a variety of charitable organizations and encourage our customers and colleagues to do the same. Please find a charity close to your heart, get involved in your community and help a worthy cause.
Please visit the Contexo Media Facebook page for event pictures.
Tip of the Week: Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - September 23, 2010
When mutlitple coronary arteries are treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, atherectomy, and/or stent placement using different treatment modalities on different vessels, be sure to check relative value units and report the code with the highest RVUs/reimbursement rate for the first (single) vessel. For example if a PTCA with stent placement is used on one vessel and a PTCA is used alone on a second vessel, report 92980 for the PTCA with stent placement for first vessel because it has the higher RVUs/reimbursement rate. Report 92984 for the second vessel.
Computer-Assisted Coding: Does It Affect You?
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - September 16, 2010
As the trend changes in healthcare coding/ billing claims from paper to electronic, a shift from manual processing to electronic processing of medical claims is apparent. This is mainly due to larger code sets and incentives offered by CMS for the move to electronic medical records, although it affects all aspects of revenue cycle management (the inclusion of all administrative tasks required to getting payment for services rendered – from registration to payment of services).
As defined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) in 2004, computer-assisted coding (CAC) is the “… use of computer software [or online programs] that automatically generates a set of medical codes for review, validation and use, based upon clinical documentation provided by healthcare practitioners.” Computer-assisting coding was once looked upon as a threat to the coding profession as a whole. But instead, this technological tool is something that will assist the coder to become more productive in the their day-to-day coding activities by making computer-generated suggestions, allowing for more time to for data quality analysis rather than researching for diagnostic and procedural solutions that can be time consuming. As more coders leave the work place because of ICD-10 implementation and the lack of desire to learn a new coding system, the availability of experienced coders decreases and the need for another solution, as CAC, increases.
Can You Guess This Diagnosis?
by Bradden Blair, Dean of Contexo University - September 16, 2010
A condition spread by several different types of airborne bacteria, in its initial phase, may be easily mistaken for a chest cold, but after one to two weeks, coughing becomes severe.
Click here to see if your diagnosis is correct.
Tip of the Week: Anesthesia Coding Tip
by Vicky C Worsham, CPC, SCP-AN - September 16, 2010
When coding Nerve Blocks and injections remember to look for the position
of the patient
01991 – Anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic nerve blocks and injections
(when block or injection is performed by a different provider); other than
the Prone position.
01992 – …Prone position
ICD-10: The Time to Prepare is Now
by Bonnie Schreck, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, COBGC - September 9, 2010
There are many different opinions about who, what, when, and how to prepare for the ICD-10 transition in October of 2013. An implementation plan that is well managed and well thought out will have a higher success rate and increase the chances of a smooth transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM and PCS.
Some of the areas of change will be assessing staff training and education needs, and the allocation of financial investment in systems changes and other resources requirements dedicated to the ICD-10 implementation process, which will be required over the next three years.
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