The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated the educational and operations testing phase of the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) program. During this period, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) began accepting AUC-related modifiers and HCPCS G-Codes on claims for advanced diagnostic imaging services provided to Medicare Part B patients. Understanding AUC Program Requirements Under the […]
A growing number of physicians are voicing concerns about the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health insurers’ prior authorization processes. The American Medical Association’s (AMA) latest 2024 AMA Prior Authorization Physician Survey highlights that many warn AI-driven prior authorization denials are exacerbating patient harm and physician burnout. The survey, which included 1,000 practicing […]
Medical coding and billing are critical components of the healthcare revenue cycle. They ensure that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for the services rendered. However, the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, shifting payer policies, and technological advancements present numerous Medical Coding & Billing Challenges. These challenges significantly impact the efficiency and accuracy of the revenue cycle. As […]
In healthcare, claim denials pose a significant challenge to a provider’s revenue cycle. Each year, over $4.5 trillion in claims are submitted to insurance carriers in the U.S. alone. Despite this volume, healthcare providers continue to see an alarming rise in denied claims. In 2022, 42% of respondents reported an increase in denials, but by […]
Accounts Receivable (AR) days directly impact cash flow and overall financial health. The longer a claim sits in AR, the more challenging it becomes to collect revenue, leading to cash flow disruptions, operational inefficiencies, and reduced profitability. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to actively work to reduce AR days and improve their financial performance. With […]
Urology practices face unique challenges when it comes to billing and coding. The complexity of urological procedures, coupled with ever-changing coding guidelines, can lead to costly errors, claim denials, and revenue loss. Accurate and efficient billing is crucial for the financial health of any urology practice. This blog post will delve into common urology billing […]
Healthcare providers face mounting financial pressures due to rising operational costs, evolving regulatory requirements, and shrinking reimbursement rates. One of the most critical areas affecting revenue cycle efficiency is claims denial management. Despite advancements in technology, many healthcare organizations still rely on manual claims denial management, leading to inefficiencies, revenue leakage, and administrative burdens. This […]
Therapy services play a vital role in healthcare, helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall well-being. To ensure accurate billing and reimbursement, healthcare providers must use the correct therapy services codes. These codes, primarily based on the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), help standardize claims […]
The medical billing landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, regulatory updates, and shifting patient expectations. Staying informed about Top Medical Billing Trends is crucial. As we enter 2025, healthcare providers and medical billing companies must stay ahead of the curve to ensure compliance, maximize revenue, and improve patient satisfaction. This newsletter will […]
Accurate coding of dermatological procedures requires a deep understanding of skin anatomy and the ability to extract key details from clinical documentation. Over the past two months, we’ve covered Wound repair coding guidelines for skin tag removal, shaving, and lesion excision. Now, in this final installment, we focus on wound repair (closure) procedures using CPT® […]