Category: Medical Coding

Skin Excision Coding

4 Steps for Improved Excision Coding

Consideration of several factors, such as the type of removal, lesion size and location, pathologic results, intent, etc., is key to accurately coding dermatological lesion removal procedures. Let’s review the codes and guidelines for lesion removal by excision and how to avoid common mistakes when coding these skin procedures. Excision – Benign/Malignant Lesions (11400-11646) Excision […]
Annual Wellness Visit Codes

Tips for Handling Combination Visits

Q: Some of our Medicare patient’s complain about their $20 or so co-pay when we bill ‘Combination visits’, a G0439 Annual Wellness visit  codes(AWV) and another Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for managing their problems during the same visit. Is there a good solution to this issue or any advice to maybe remedy this? A: This […]
E/M Coding

AMA Releases Online Checklist for E/M Coding Services Transition

The American Medical Association issued a checklist for the transition to fundamental changes in evaluation and management (E/M) services, a medical coding process in support of medical billing which practicing healthcare providers must use to be reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid programs or private insurance. The checklist provides a guide for physician practices, which already are […]
2020 CPT Code Changes

Deciphering the CPT Code Changes

The American Medical Association (AMA) publishes the Current Procedural Terminology code set changes every year, usually in September, for the upcoming new year. The changes impacting CPT 2020 were released on September 4, 2019. There was a total of 394 CPT code changes, of which, 58 affect the surgery center market. 2020 CPT Code Changes […]
HCPCS Level II Coding Cycles

CMS Implements Significant Updates to HCPCS Level II Coding Cycles and Procedures

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, beginning in January 2020, CMS will implement shorter and more frequent HCPCS Level II coding  cycles for requests to modify the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code set. Under the updated procedures, stakeholders will be able to submit code applications on a quarterly basis […]
EVALI Code

New Code for E-Cigarette/Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI Code)

Emergency release of the new EVALI code by CDC. On Dec. 9, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published additional guidance regarding e-cigarette/vaping associated lung injury (EVALI Code). The new code is U07.0 (Vaping-related disorder). The CDC consulted with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding an addition to the classification that would […]
Artificial Intelligence in Medical Billing and Coding

How AI Streamlines Medical Billing and Coding

Advanced technology like AI is streamlining medical billing and coding procedures for enhanced customer experiences. Artificial Intelligence in Medical coding and billing is a crucial viewpoint of healthcare. Reports revealed that by 2021, the medical billing outsourcing market is predicted to touch $16.9 billion. The coding and billing functionality transmutes patient record information into regulated […]
Dermatology Coding Procedures

Explore Dermatology Coding Procedures Complexities

Part 1: Consider skin lesion removal type and depth, intent, and lesion location to avoid common dermatology coding procedures mistakes. Accurately dermatology coding procedures can seem like a daunting task. Code selection can be confusing because skin procedure codes require you to consider several factors such as the type of removal, lesion size and location, […]
AI Can Help Health Plans

How AI Can Help Health Plans Become Member-Centric

Improving the customer experience is no longer an idea that’s relegated to the retail or hospitality industries. Now, the idea has gained traction across many industries, including healthcare. For health plans, improving the customer experience and providing member-centric care helps drive member acquisition and retention and improve reimbursement (via a better STARS rating). With so […]