The administrative burden of accurate coding is a major contributor to physician burnout, a problem even worse since the COVID pandemic. Studies consistently show it’s a leading cause of stress for doctors and staff. Incorrect coding, including medical coding mistakes, can have serious financial consequences for medical practices. Denial of claims, reduced reimbursements, and audits […]
Assist physicians and patients in gaining a precise comprehension of the situation. At orthopedic practices, coders frequently encounter a common question from patients: “Why does my invoice for an office visit include a surgical code?” This query is entirely reasonable, given that a patient was examined in the clinic, treated for a fracture, and later […]
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for alternative healthcare delivery methods. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) emerged as a valuable complement to telehealth, allowing doctors to remotely monitor patients’ health data in real-time. How Remote patient monitoring Works RPM utilizes various devices to track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar. It can […]
2024 CPT Coding updates: Take a look at the updates in CPT coding and guidelines for professional services. Every year, on January 1st, updated CPT® codes and coding guidelines emerge, introducing new, revised, and eliminated codes. For instance, in CPT® 2024, there are 230 new codes, 70 revised ones, and 49 removed codes. Notably, no […]
Medical coding and billing errors are a persistent headache for healthcare providers, costing them time, money, and reputation. Studies show that a staggering percentage of medical bills contain errors, leading to denied claims, delayed payments, and frustrated patients. Focus on Prevention: Top coding and billing Errors to Avoid Non-Covered Charges: Verify insurance coverage before rendering […]
The article explores common billing mistakes and offers tips for four healthcare services that can cause payment headaches for physicians. 1. Annual Wellness Visits vs. Physicals: Understanding Medicare Requirements Differentiating between Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) and Initial Preventive Physical Exams (IPPE) is crucial for accurate billing. Both are covered by Medicare for preventive care, but […]
The good news for coders is that the 2024 ICD-10-CM update allows for more specific coding of chronic migraine with aura, improving accuracy and potentially helping patients access treatment. Diagnosing Migraine: A Complex Puzzle While the International Headache Society defines chronic migraine, pinpointing the exact type can be challenging. Migraines come in various forms, and […]
Navigating the complexities of telehealth coding is crucial for ensuring that services are properly reimbursed. This guide provides essential information and tips for coding telehealth services accurately, helping physicians avoid denials and recoupments. 1. Telephone Services: Use Cases: Suitable for straightforward problems like simple rashes, asymptomatic coughs, and medication refills. Requires a minimum of five […]
The Crucial Role of Medical Coding Compliance in a Value-Based World: Telling the Patient’s Story for Better Billing and Quality Care. Medical Coders: The Unsung Storytellers of Healthcare Medical coders play a critical role in hospitals, but their importance often goes unnoticed. They’re the storytellers behind the scenes, analyzing patient records, selecting billing codes, and […]
The landscape of medical coding audits is constantly evolving. Staying informed about these trends and implementing best practices can significantly reduce stress and ensure a smooth audit experience. The Shifting Landscape of Medical Coding Audits Traditionally, medical coding audits felt like a lottery. Providers faced the uncertainty of random reviews, often scrambling to address issues […]