In the realm of healthcare billing and coding, modifiers are crucial tools used to provide additional context and specificity to procedure and diagnosis codes. These modifiers help healthcare providers accurately communicate the nature of services rendered to payers. Two commonly used modifiers, Modifiers 26 and Modifier TC, play significant roles in clarifying billing practices and […]
CMS is proposing new Billing Codes for MRI in the draft 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to account for the extra work involved in safely performing MRIs on patients with implants or other factors that could pose risks. These additional tasks might involve reviewing a patient’s medical history, researching implant specifics, carefully considering risks and […]
OPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term for lung diseases that make breathing difficult. This difficulty arises from blockage or narrowing of the airways. The two most common types are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which often occur together. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. While there’s no cure, measures can be taken […]
The ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Clinical Modification) is a vital tool for accurately documenting and coding diagnoses in healthcare settings. As the field of mental health coding continues to evolve, it’s essential for clinicians and coders alike to stay updated on the latest guidelines and revisions. The 2024 update to the […]
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 […]
The fiscal year 2024 ICD-10-CM codes have recently become active, and they will have an impact on your reimbursement. Earlier this year, CMS announced the incorporation of 395 fresh diagnosis codes, removal of 25 codes from the diagnosis set, and modification of 13 codes— all of which became effective on October 1. A substantial portion […]
Coding regulations are a complex and ever-changing landscape. It can be difficult to keep up with the latest changes, and even more difficult to ensure that your coding is compliant. That’s where the Compliance Compass comes in. The Compliance Compass is a comprehensive guide to coding regulations. It covers everything from the basics of coding […]
Ensuring precise claims processing and prompt reimbursements, healthcare practitioners rely heavily on efficient medical billing and coding procedures. The act of streamlining these functions holds the potential to not only heighten overall effectiveness but also to curtail administrative burdens and mitigate the risk of errors. Within this article, we will delve into a selection of […]
Risk adjustment coding plays a vital role in the healthcare sector by capturing and documenting the severity of patient conditions. Its primary purpose is to guarantee precise reimbursement and risk adjustment scores. Given the ever-changing healthcare landscape, it is imperative for healthcare providers and coding professionals to remain adaptable and well-informed about the evolving requirements. […]
Prepare for the upcoming release of the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes for the 2024 fiscal year (FY) – the latest development in the coding world. These codes are expected to be released soon, allowing facilities and vendors to make necessary preparations for implementation by October 1, 2023. In the meantime, it’s crucial to review and […]