Modifier 58 vs Modifier 78: Modifier 58: Same underlying condition, planned or unplanned additional procedure. Modifier 78: New problem caused by the initial surgery (complication) requiring a return to the OR. Medical Coders often struggle to differentiate between modifier 58 (staged/related procedure) and modifier 78 (unplanned return to OR). Let’s break down the key differences […]
The HCPCS Level II quarterly update for July 2024 is now available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. The update includes: 134 added codes 9 discontinued codes 32 codes with long description changes 3 codes with payment changes New HCPCS Level II Codes Effective July 1, 2024, there is one new […]
Medical Coding Audits: Whenever you receive an “audit” email, do you feel a knot in your stomach? Fear not, fellow coder! Audits are an important part of maintaining secure, efficient, and well-documented code. They help identify areas for improvement and potential bugs before they cause major problems. It is the purpose of this newsletter to […]
Medical coding is a dynamic field, driven as much by technological advancements as by healthcare practices and regulatory changes. As we are moving into 2024, we can see that several important trends are shaping the future of this important field. Future of Medical Coding 2024: 1. Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) […]
The official April 2024 update to the HCPCS Level II code set is now available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. April update includes: 62 new codes 2 changes to scope and long description 21 obsolete codes 11 changes to long description 1 change to changes miscellaneous changes Below are some code […]
Greetings and welcome to the latest edition of our healthcare coding newsletter! In order for us to remain abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of medical documentation, we must stay up-to-date with updates to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) from time to time. In this article, we will take a closer look at […]
New billing codes: Medical experts might consider creating new billing codes for the time doctors and their support staff spends working on prior authorizations. The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Board meets May 9-11 in Chicago. On the meeting’s agenda are three potential new CPT codes “for reporting services (physician, QHP, […]
ICD-11 code: Healthcare is ever-evolving and keeping abreast of the latest developments within the health care industry, especially within the realms of coding and classification systems can be challenging for a healthcare professional. The ICD-11 code is the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, and it was designed to revolutionize how diseases and […]
Medical Billing Myths: Medical billing is an important part of the complicated world of healthcare management. However, many practice owners struggle to negotiate the complexities of medical billing. Myths and misconceptions about medical billing can exacerbate problems, resulting in financial losses and administrative headaches. To help keep you educated and empowered, we’ve developed a list […]
Preventive Services Vs Office Visits: It is important to note that Medicare does not cover preventive services in the same manner as commercial payers. Therefore, it is important to know the patient’s policy and insurance coverage. Table A shows a breakdown of the coverage parameters. Understanding the distinction between Preventive Services Vs Office Visits is […]