Q: What CPT codes and modifiers would be used to report excisional debridement for removal of a 2×4-cm ulcer on a patient’s right buttocks with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC)? A: The debridement would be reported using CPT code 11042 (debridement, subcutaneous tissue [includes epidermis and dermis, if performed]; first 20 sq cm or less). This procedure […]
The healthcare sector is in urgent requirement of an AI solution that can process a massive amount of data without compromising the speed and accuracy of billing. Medical billing and coding is a critical component of healthcare. The medical billing outsourcing market alone is estimated to reach $16.9 billion by 2021. The coding and billing […]
The service must be performed for a condition unrelated to the scheduled visit and must be a new condition that requires further evaluation. A version of this article was first published April 16, 2021, by HCPro’s Revenue Cycle Advisor, a sibling publication to HealthLeaders. Q: Is it appropriate to report an E/M code for visit […]
Current issue includes most frequently asked questions about coding COVID-19. The American Hospital Association (AHA) central office is the official United States clearinghouse on medical coding for the proper use of the ICD-10-CM/PCS systems and Level I HCPCS (CPT-4 codes) for hospital providers – and certain Level II HCPCS codes for hospitals, physicians, and other health professionals. The […]
Elevated levels of cytokines in an overactive immune system can cause harmful levels of inflammation throughout the body and disrupt organ functioning. Q: We have a patient admitted for COVID-19 who is now showing signs of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Can you give our team more information on symptoms or clinical indicators for CRS as […]
IFHIMA makes the case for ICD-11 adoption with latest whitepaper. As healthcare transformation progresses due to the digitization of data and advancements in medical science and technology, it is increasingly important that nations around the world begin planning for adoption of ICD-11. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) has a long and valued history of […]
modifiers 79: Know how to differentiate modifiers 79, 78, and 58to ensure proper reimbursement for all procedures performed. Modifiers convey important information about a claim and can directly affect reimbursement. But choosing the most appropriate modifier can be confusing — especially when two or more modifiers have similar descriptors. Modifiers 58, 78, and 79 are all […]
In the realm of medical billing and coding, the incorporation of artificial intelligence stands as a pivotal advancement. Its role in healthcare establishments is to optimize billing procedures, thereby mitigating costly errors. Among the array of AI-driven technologies, machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) take the forefront. These tools excel at swiftly and accurately […]
Radiology practices that perform interventional procedures have to be up to date on the use of documentation and coding techniques for evaluation and management (E/M) services. Since these current procedural terminology (CPT) codes in the 99xxx range are less commonly utilized in many radiology practices, identifying circumstances where E/M services are billable and then properly […]
Every year we take direction from the most recent CPT® code book, but it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t have the final say on how to document and code evaluation and management (E/M) visits. For the latest guidance, you need the 2021 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections. Following the implementation of the updated E/M […]