Claim denial rates are a significant challenge for healthcare providers, with substantial variations based on payer type, location, and specific insurance companies. To understand these variations, it’s crucial to analyze the specific claim denial codes issued by each payer. While the industry standard for claim denials hovers between 5% and 10%, certain payers, notably those […]
Continuing our exploration of commonly misunderstood areas in medical coding, today, we focus on pain coding, specifically addressing ICD-10 Pain Coding. Pain is one of the most frequent reasons patients seek medical attention. As published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pain is the leading complaint that drives individuals to healthcare providers. Most people […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated the educational and operations testing phase of the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) program. During this period, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) began accepting AUC-related modifiers and HCPCS G-Codes on claims for advanced diagnostic imaging services provided to Medicare Part B patients. Understanding AUC Program Requirements Under the […]
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure performed endoscopically on the nasal and sinus cavities. It is primarily used to relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as congestion, drainage, post-nasal drip, headaches, and facial pain. FESS coding can be complex due to the multiple CPT codes associated with the procedure. Reviewing sinus […]
Medical coding and billing are critical components of the healthcare revenue cycle. They ensure that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for the services rendered. However, the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, shifting payer policies, and technological advancements present numerous Medical Coding & Billing Challenges. These challenges significantly impact the efficiency and accuracy of the revenue cycle. As […]
Selecting a diagnosis code based solely on intuition is not enough. Each diagnosis must be supported by clear clinical rationale, documented in the care plan, and recorded in the patient’s chart notes. Staying informed about Code Updates for Chiropractic Practices ensures accuracy, compliance, and proper reimbursement for services rendered. Coding Best Practices Symptom vs. Diagnosis […]
Therapy services play a vital role in healthcare, helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall well-being. To ensure accurate billing and reimbursement, healthcare providers must use the correct therapy services codes. These codes, primarily based on the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), help standardize claims […]
Accurate coding of dermatological procedures requires a deep understanding of skin anatomy and the ability to extract key details from clinical documentation. Over the past two months, we’ve covered Wound repair coding guidelines for skin tag removal, shaving, and lesion excision. Now, in this final installment, we focus on wound repair (closure) procedures using CPT® […]
Clinicians participating in the Making Care Primary (MCP) model now have access to two new HCPCS Level II codes, HCPCS Codes G9037 and G9038, introduced in fiscal year (FY) 2024. These codes expand the scope of interprofessional consultation services, allowing primary care providers (PCPs) to bill for time spent collaborating with specialists. The MCP Model: […]
Medical coding is the lifeblood of healthcare operations. It forms the crucial bridge between patient care and financial reimbursement, ensuring that healthcare providers are compensated for the services they render. However, the complexity and sheer volume of medical codes, coupled with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, make accuracy a persistent challenge. This is where the potential […]