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 […]
In medical coding, CPT modifier are vital for accurate reimbursement of healthcare services. These special codes, attached to primary procedure codes, provide additional details about the complexity or extent of a service. However, using modifiers incorrectly can lead to claim denials and lost revenue. This blog post shares six key tips to help you get […]
The 1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines and the 2023 CPT® E/M Services Guidelines are not drastically different when compared side by side. Some hospitals and coding and billing entities may believe that the new 2023 CPT® evaluation and management (E/M) services guidelines and code changes simplify the coding, billing, and auditing processes. However, it is […]
Remaining current is indispensable in the healthcare industry, yet relying solely on present codes may not always be the optimal solution. When tasked with conducting an audit, handling an appeal, or conducting research on the appropriate code usage for a previous encounter, having a thorough understanding of the code descriptors and guidelines that were applicable […]
Primary care physicians (PCPs) face increasing challenges in the current healthcare environment: not having enough resources to care for patients, declining practice revenues, and overwhelming administrative burdens. On top of all that, there is a necessary, but mounting pressure to shift to value-based care. Having run a cardiothoracic surgery practice for 25 years, I have […]