ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Leave $70 on the Table if You Fail to ID Complicated I&D
Depth, not size, often marks more complex procedure When patients report to your ED for... Read more
Depth, not size, often marks more complex procedure When patients report to your ED for... Read more
Recognize What Separates Pilonidal, Standard Cysts or Risk Rejection
Procedure similar to standard I&D, but codes differ If you report 10060 or 10061 wh... Read more
Procedure similar to standard I&D, but codes differ If you report 10060 or 10061 wh... Read more
Detail Marks Successful Pediatric E/M Histories
Beware: The word -lethargic- in the medical record could cause trouble When providing E... Read more
Beware: The word -lethargic- in the medical record could cause trouble When providing E... Read more
Reader Questions:
Payers Typically Accept NPP Performing 69210
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of pain, with wax buildup in her left ... Read more
Payers Typically Accept NPP Performing 69210
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of pain, with wax buildup in her left ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Hematuria Codes Get More Specific in October
Question: A patient presents to the ED physician complaining of pain during urination. D... Read more
Hematuria Codes Get More Specific in October
Question: A patient presents to the ED physician complaining of pain during urination. D... Read more
Reader Questions:
Coma Code Choice Comes After Diabetes Check
Question: A patient in a hypoglycemic coma reports to the ED via ambulance. The ED physi... Read more
Coma Code Choice Comes After Diabetes Check
Question: A patient in a hypoglycemic coma reports to the ED via ambulance. The ED physi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember Reaction Dx on Observation Claim
Question: At 8 a.m., a patient who had undergone a blood transfusion the previous day re... Read more
Remember Reaction Dx on Observation Claim
Question: At 8 a.m., a patient who had undergone a blood transfusion the previous day re... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Code Definition Before Appending Modifier 50
Question: A patient reports to the ED with complaints of sore ribs after crashing his bi... Read more
Check Code Definition Before Appending Modifier 50
Question: A patient reports to the ED with complaints of sore ribs after crashing his bi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting 'Snuffbox' Fractures
Question: A patient reports to the ED with a wrist injury. Notes indicate that following... Read more
Reporting 'Snuffbox' Fractures
Question: A patient reports to the ED with a wrist injury. Notes indicate that following... Read more
Fix Your Fracture Care Claims in 3 Simple Steps to Avoid Errant Code, Postop Overlap
You-ll also need to determine open/closed before coding the treatment You could land on... Read more
You-ll also need to determine open/closed before coding the treatment You could land on... Read more
Multiple Breaks? Code 'Worst' Fracture First
When a patient reports to the ED with multiple fractures, put your treatment codes in the ... Read more
When a patient reports to the ED with multiple fractures, put your treatment codes in the ... Read more
Look for E/M Service on Your Fracture Claims, or Lose $$$
Additional E/M service almost a given, if you can ID 3 key components If you stop codin... Read more
Additional E/M service almost a given, if you can ID 3 key components If you stop codin... Read more
Spot 49080 Characteristics to Avoid Lavage Miscode
Remember, code does not include opening abdomen Although physicians use the term "lavag... Read more
Remember, code does not include opening abdomen Although physicians use the term "lavag... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow Incision Rules on FBRs, or Tick Off Payers
Question: A patient with a tick embedded in his right thigh reports to the ED. The physi... Read more
Follow Incision Rules on FBRs, or Tick Off Payers
Question: A patient with a tick embedded in his right thigh reports to the ED. The physi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Paint Fullest Picture Possible With ICD-9s
Question: A patient presents with a headache and severe vomiting. After a non-automated ... Read more
Paint Fullest Picture Possible With ICD-9s
Question: A patient presents with a headache and severe vomiting. After a non-automated ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Sew Up Laceration Coding Using These 8 Elements
Question: We have gotten several denials in the past few months on our laceration repair... Read more
Sew Up Laceration Coding Using These 8 Elements
Question: We have gotten several denials in the past few months on our laceration repair... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember E Code on Gunshot Treatment
Question: Our ED recently treated a patient for a gunshot wound from a pistol to the jaw... Read more
Remember E Code on Gunshot Treatment
Question: Our ED recently treated a patient for a gunshot wound from a pistol to the jaw... Read more
Reader Questions:
ED Exception Can Confuse Hydration Coding
Question: A patient undergoing chemotherapy for tracheal cancer reports to the ED suffer... Read more
ED Exception Can Confuse Hydration Coding
Question: A patient undergoing chemotherapy for tracheal cancer reports to the ED suffer... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pediatric Critical Care in the ED
Question: The ambulance brings an unconscious 1-year-old child to the ED. The mother rep... Read more
Pediatric Critical Care in the ED
Question: The ambulance brings an unconscious 1-year-old child to the ED. The mother rep... Read more
Heed this Info on Latest Critical Care Updates to File the Cleanest Claims
1 CMS transmittal tough on the ED, but another clears up family counseling rules CMS h... Read more
1 CMS transmittal tough on the ED, but another clears up family counseling rules CMS h... Read more
Overlapping Time Usually a No-No on Critical Care
Be careful when considering concurrent critical care coding Your ED physician and a dif... Read more
Be careful when considering concurrent critical care coding Your ED physician and a dif... Read more
ICD-9 2009 Update:
Update Cancerous Pleural Fluid, Pneumonia Diagnoses
You can now code pleural effusions based on malignancy The ICD-9 2009 manual will bring... Read more
Update Cancerous Pleural Fluid, Pneumonia Diagnoses
You can now code pleural effusions based on malignancy The ICD-9 2009 manual will bring... Read more
Reader Questions:
Heed These Rules on NPP Critical Care
Question: I have heard that nonphysician practitioners (NPP) in the ED can provide criti... Read more
Heed These Rules on NPP Critical Care
Question: I have heard that nonphysician practitioners (NPP) in the ED can provide criti... Read more
Reader Questions:
ICD-9 Code Choice Depends on Apnea's Cause
Question: The ED physician performs a level-two E/M on a patient with sleep issues. The ... Read more
ICD-9 Code Choice Depends on Apnea's Cause
Question: The ED physician performs a level-two E/M on a patient with sleep issues. The ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Freeze at 327.XX ICD-9 Section for Sleep Paralysis
Question: A patient comes to the ED reporting that shortly after waking up in the mornin... Read more
Freeze at 327.XX ICD-9 Section for Sleep Paralysis
Question: A patient comes to the ED reporting that shortly after waking up in the mornin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier 51 Marks Multiple-Surgery Encounters
Question: A patient reports to the ED with two cuts on his right forearm: a deep 6-cm la... Read more
Modifier 51 Marks Multiple-Surgery Encounters
Question: A patient reports to the ED with two cuts on his right forearm: a deep 6-cm la... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tackle This Modifier 25 and EKG Scenario
Question: We-ve received letters from CMS regarding modifier 25. We use this modifier on... Read more
Tackle This Modifier 25 and EKG Scenario
Question: We-ve received letters from CMS regarding modifier 25. We use this modifier on... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Hand or Foot Before Coding FBR
Question: A patient with a splinter reports to the ED. After a level-two E/M, the physic... Read more
Check Hand or Foot Before Coding FBR
Question: A patient with a splinter reports to the ED. After a level-two E/M, the physic... Read more
ICD-9 2009 Update:
Implement 346.xx Changes Using 8 Can't-Live-Without Secrets
You-ll soon need a 5th digit to avoid migraine code denials You can dig up the encounte... Read more
Implement 346.xx Changes Using 8 Can't-Live-Without Secrets
You-ll soon need a 5th digit to avoid migraine code denials You can dig up the encounte... Read more
Meet These Rules to Code for NPP Assisting MD on Shared Visit Encounters
Get $25 more on shared 99285 claims You don't have to forfeit $25 for an NPP's role in ... Read more
Get $25 more on shared 99285 claims You don't have to forfeit $25 for an NPP's role in ... Read more
On the Cutting Edge:
Spot Key Terms to Catch Critical Care Encounters
Organ system impairment often indicates 99291 service If coders recognize critical car... Read more
Spot Key Terms to Catch Critical Care Encounters
Organ system impairment often indicates 99291 service If coders recognize critical car... Read more
Reader Questions:
You Can't Code Everything Chronic
Question: If the patient has a chronic condition, such as mitral valve disorder, should ... Read more
You Can't Code Everything Chronic
Question: If the patient has a chronic condition, such as mitral valve disorder, should ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Same Dx OK for Some Procedure-E/M Encounters
Question: A patient presents to the ED complaining of a new painful mass on his left sho... Read more
Same Dx OK for Some Procedure-E/M Encounters
Question: A patient presents to the ED complaining of a new painful mass on his left sho... Read more
Reader Questions:
Patient Actions Guide Insulin OD Code Choice
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient with uncontrolled type II diabetes had... Read more
Patient Actions Guide Insulin OD Code Choice
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient with uncontrolled type II diabetes had... Read more
Reader Questions:
You'll Probably Get Another Shot at PQRI
Question: Our ED did not begin the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) earlier... Read more
You'll Probably Get Another Shot at PQRI
Question: Our ED did not begin the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) earlier... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Specific Questions Safeguard 99408 Claims
Question: I am looking at an encounter form in which the ED physician counseled a patien... Read more
Specific Questions Safeguard 99408 Claims
Question: I am looking at an encounter form in which the ED physician counseled a patien... Read more
ICD-9 2009 Update:
Get Ready to Use New Diabetes Code Set Before Oct. 1
You-ll also have new codes for blood in urine ICD-9 has released its preliminary list o... Read more
Get Ready to Use New Diabetes Code Set Before Oct. 1
You-ll also have new codes for blood in urine ICD-9 has released its preliminary list o... Read more
ICD-9 2009 Update:
Learn New Headache Breakdowns Now to Prevent Denials Later
Look for cluster, tension and post-traumatic subsets You can easily navigate the 50-plu... Read more
Learn New Headache Breakdowns Now to Prevent Denials Later
Look for cluster, tension and post-traumatic subsets You can easily navigate the 50-plu... Read more
Avoid NEMB Confusion With New ABN Form
Update now if you-re not already using the revised form If you-ve never quite understoo... Read more
Update now if you-re not already using the revised form If you-ve never quite understoo... Read more
Reader Questions:
ED Setting OK for CPT Cessation Codes
Question: We are having a debate in our ED about the new smoking cessation codes. Some t... Read more
ED Setting OK for CPT Cessation Codes
Question: We are having a debate in our ED about the new smoking cessation codes. Some t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Payer Policy Drives Dermabond Coding
Question: A patient with a cut on her left forearm reports to the ED. Using Dermabond, t... Read more
Payer Policy Drives Dermabond Coding
Question: A patient with a cut on her left forearm reports to the ED. Using Dermabond, t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check for Catheter Use on Thoracentesis Claims
Question: A patient with shortness of breath reports to the ED. The physician obtains pe... Read more
Check for Catheter Use on Thoracentesis Claims
Question: A patient with shortness of breath reports to the ED. The physician obtains pe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Deduce Angina Type Before Choosing Diagnosis
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of pain that started in his chest and ... Read more
Deduce Angina Type Before Choosing Diagnosis
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of pain that started in his chest and ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Leave D Codes Off Mouth Suture Claim
Question: A patient reports to the ED with bleeding following a tooth extraction. After ... Read more
Leave D Codes Off Mouth Suture Claim
Question: A patient reports to the ED with bleeding following a tooth extraction. After ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
PQRI and P Modifiers
Question: Our ED is reporting for the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). One... Read more
PQRI and P Modifiers
Question: Our ED is reporting for the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). One... Read more
Know When to Combine -- and When to Separate -- Burns for Diagnosis Coding
Fourth, fifth digits are vital to these ICD-9 codes To accurately code diagnoses for pa... Read more
Fourth, fifth digits are vital to these ICD-9 codes To accurately code diagnoses for pa... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Check Your Burn Coding Skills With These Scenarios
Be ready if the physician has not assigned a specific burn location OK, you-ve read the... Read more
Check Your Burn Coding Skills With These Scenarios
Be ready if the physician has not assigned a specific burn location OK, you-ve read the... Read more
Use Instrumentation, Depth to Decide Laceration Repair Level
Anatomical classifications get smaller as repairs get more complex On your laceration c... Read more
Anatomical classifications get smaller as repairs get more complex On your laceration c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here's How to 'Target' Sedation Coding Chances
Question: After a level-five E/M service, the ED physician inserts a chest tube in a pat... Read more
Here's How to 'Target' Sedation Coding Chances
Question: After a level-five E/M service, the ED physician inserts a chest tube in a pat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Modifier on 'Involuntary' Services
Question: A patient presents to the ED with a police escort. An officer tells the front ... Read more
Use Modifier on 'Involuntary' Services
Question: A patient presents to the ED with a police escort. An officer tells the front ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Patient Age on Catheter Code
Question: A patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome presents to the ED. Notes indicate that... Read more
Check Patient Age on Catheter Code
Question: A patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome presents to the ED. Notes indicate that... Read more
Reader Questions:
If Physician Makes No Incision, Opt for E/M
Question: A patient presents to the ED with shards of glass from a shattered light bulb ... Read more
If Physician Makes No Incision, Opt for E/M
Question: A patient presents to the ED with shards of glass from a shattered light bulb ... Read more
Reader Questions:
When Physician Performs Both, E/M Trumps Ventilator Management
Question: I have a tough coding choice to make. The physician performs initial-day venti... Read more
When Physician Performs Both, E/M Trumps Ventilator Management
Question: I have a tough coding choice to make. The physician performs initial-day venti... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ulnar Shaft Splinting
Question: The ED physician sees a patient who has just been in a minor car accident (she... Read more
Ulnar Shaft Splinting
Question: The ED physician sees a patient who has just been in a minor car accident (she... Read more
Start Reporting PQRI Now to Recoup Bonus
Medicare program's second period began in January Medicare recently renewed the Physici... Read more
Medicare program's second period began in January Medicare recently renewed the Physici... Read more
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Coders Can Count on These PQRI Resources
ACEP, CMS post their program instructions online Coding for the Physician Quality Repor... Read more
Coders Can Count on These PQRI Resources
ACEP, CMS post their program instructions online Coding for the Physician Quality Repor... Read more
Eye Area Matters When Coding FBR Encounters
Also, check for slit lamp on corneal FBR claims A patient with a foreign body in her le... Read more
Also, check for slit lamp on corneal FBR claims A patient with a foreign body in her le... Read more
Reader Questions:
Is There a Procedure Code for Carotid Massage?
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of tightness in his chest and heart pa... Read more
Is There a Procedure Code for Carotid Massage?
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of tightness in his chest and heart pa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember E Code on Suicide Attempt
Question: I am having trouble deciding on diagnosis codes for the following encounter: E... Read more
Remember E Code on Suicide Attempt
Question: I am having trouble deciding on diagnosis codes for the following encounter: E... Read more
Reader Questions:
Observe Restrictions on Strapping Codes
Question: A patient who fell out of his bed while sleeping reports to the ED complaining... Read more
Observe Restrictions on Strapping Codes
Question: A patient who fell out of his bed while sleeping reports to the ED complaining... Read more
Reader Questions:
Carry Hypothyroidism Dx to 4th Digit
Question: A patient who recently had surgery and radiation therapy to treat her thyroid ... Read more
Carry Hypothyroidism Dx to 4th Digit
Question: A patient who recently had surgery and radiation therapy to treat her thyroid ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Coding G Tube Replacements With Monitoring
Question: The ED physician replaces a patient's malfunctioning gastrostomy tube (G tube)... Read more
Coding G Tube Replacements With Monitoring
Question: The ED physician replaces a patient's malfunctioning gastrostomy tube (G tube)... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Mind Your X-Ray Bundles
Question: A patient complaining of sore ribs and chest discomfort reports to the ED. Aft... Read more
Mind Your X-Ray Bundles
Question: A patient complaining of sore ribs and chest discomfort reports to the ED. Aft... Read more
4 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Debridement Codes
FAQ addresses coding conventions for wound care Patients who present to the ED or wound... Read more
FAQ addresses coding conventions for wound care Patients who present to the ED or wound... Read more
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Explanations Ease Code Choice on Debridements
Medicare carrier lays out definitions for each type of debridement Does deciding betwee... Read more
Explanations Ease Code Choice on Debridements
Medicare carrier lays out definitions for each type of debridement Does deciding betwee... Read more
Instrumentation Provides Clues to Cerumen Removal Coding
Here's why that removal might be an E/M Patients who require cerumen (earwax) removal c... Read more
Here's why that removal might be an E/M Patients who require cerumen (earwax) removal c... Read more
Remember to Look for E/M Evidence on Cerumen Claims
If physician was involved, a separate E/M is possible When a patient reports to the ED ... Read more
If physician was involved, a separate E/M is possible When a patient reports to the ED ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check for Exacerbation Before Choosing COPD Dx
Question: The diagnosis coding for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) confuses... Read more
Check for Exacerbation Before Choosing COPD Dx
Question: The diagnosis coding for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) confuses... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Precise With Jaw-Injury Diagnoses
Question: The ED physician treated a patient who had been in a motorcycle accident (the ... Read more
Be Precise With Jaw-Injury Diagnoses
Question: The ED physician treated a patient who had been in a motorcycle accident (the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Notes to ID Fracture Treatment Type
Question: The ED physician performs closed treatment on a patient's ulnar shaft fracture... Read more
Use Notes to ID Fracture Treatment Type
Question: The ED physician performs closed treatment on a patient's ulnar shaft fracture... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look at Percentages to Decide on Morbid Obesity
Question: What distinguishes "obesity" from "morbid obesity"? North Carolina Subscriber... Read more
Look at Percentages to Decide on Morbid Obesity
Question: What distinguishes "obesity" from "morbid obesity"? North Carolina Subscriber... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Burn Diagnosis Coding for Kids
Question: A parent brings a 9-year-old child into the ED with blistering burns to the le... Read more
Burn Diagnosis Coding for Kids
Question: A parent brings a 9-year-old child into the ED with blistering burns to the le... Read more
Let Length of Service Guide Your Observation Code Choice
8-hour mark is crucial for Medicare patients When your ED physician performs observatio... Read more
8-hour mark is crucial for Medicare patients When your ED physician performs observatio... Read more
Discover Pathology Before Choosing Excision Code
Most ED excisions occur on benign lesions Lesion excision coding can be a breeze if you... Read more
Most ED excisions occur on benign lesions Lesion excision coding can be a breeze if you... Read more
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Check Out These Observation Coding Do's and Don'ts
FAQ shines light on lesser-known observation conventions When coding observation servic... Read more
Check Out These Observation Coding Do's and Don'ts
FAQ shines light on lesser-known observation conventions When coding observation servic... Read more
Clarification
In ED Coding Alert volume 11, no. 2, the Reader Question "Boost E/M Level When Staff Int... Read more
In ED Coding Alert volume 11, no. 2, the Reader Question "Boost E/M Level When Staff Int... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tally System Reviews for Complete ROS Picture
Question: There are three review of systems (ROS) levels: problem-pertinent, extended an... Read more
Tally System Reviews for Complete ROS Picture
Question: There are three review of systems (ROS) levels: problem-pertinent, extended an... Read more
Reader Questions:
Opt for E/M When Physician Bandages Laceration
Question: A mother brings her 10-year-old daughter to the ED. The child fell from her bi... Read more
Opt for E/M When Physician Bandages Laceration
Question: A mother brings her 10-year-old daughter to the ED. The child fell from her bi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Let Payer Guide 25 Use on FAST Claim
Question A patient reports to the ED after crashing his snowmobile into another snowmobi... Read more
Let Payer Guide 25 Use on FAST Claim
Question A patient reports to the ED after crashing his snowmobile into another snowmobi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember V Code for MRSA Patients
Question: A patient arrives in the ED in a critical state. The ED physician provides 38 ... Read more
Remember V Code for MRSA Patients
Question: A patient arrives in the ED in a critical state. The ED physician provides 38 ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Thoracentesis Codes Make a Move in CPT 2008
Question: Our ED physician performed thoracentesis via pleural cavity puncture on a pati... Read more
Thoracentesis Codes Make a Move in CPT 2008
Question: Our ED physician performed thoracentesis via pleural cavity puncture on a pati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for Bundles on Burn Coding
Question: A patient came in with first- and second-degree burns on her hand. The physici... Read more
Watch for Bundles on Burn Coding
Question: A patient came in with first- and second-degree burns on her hand. The physici... Read more
Reader Questions:
End Confusion on Cancer-Free Dx
Question: If a patient has a diagnosis of cancer, how would I report this on the claim? ... Read more
End Confusion on Cancer-Free Dx
Question: If a patient has a diagnosis of cancer, how would I report this on the claim? ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multiple Laceration Repairs
Question: I am having some trouble coding this laceration repair scenario: A patient rep... Read more
Multiple Laceration Repairs
Question: I am having some trouble coding this laceration repair scenario: A patient rep... Read more
Use Encounter Notes to Decide Between Vent Management, E/M
Patient's status, therapy type lock down pay If you report ventilation therapy when you... Read more
Patient's status, therapy type lock down pay If you report ventilation therapy when you... Read more
Prove Patient's Critical State Before Coding 99291
- and remember to report nonbundled services separately When a patient presents with a ... Read more
- and remember to report nonbundled services separately When a patient presents with a ... Read more
Stop Observing 25-Percent Rule for Modifier 22
Modifier descriptor gets 2008 revision According to the latest CPT manual, the requirem... Read more
Modifier descriptor gets 2008 revision According to the latest CPT manual, the requirem... Read more
Reader Questions:
Gastric Aspiration Calls for 91105
Question: A patient complaining of rectal bleeding reports to the ED. After a level-five... Read more
Gastric Aspiration Calls for 91105
Question: A patient complaining of rectal bleeding reports to the ED. After a level-five... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include I&D in Excision
Question: A patient with a simple pilonidal cyst reports to the ED. The ED physician dec... Read more
Include I&D in Excision
Question: A patient with a simple pilonidal cyst reports to the ED. The ED physician dec... Read more
Reader Questions:
Payers Consider Plug Removal Part of Intubation
Question: The ED physician is trying to intubate a patient but fails due to a mucous plu... Read more
Payers Consider Plug Removal Part of Intubation
Question: The ED physician is trying to intubate a patient but fails due to a mucous plu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Meet 'Moderate' Guidelines for Sedation Coding
Question: An adult patient with pain in his upper chest and right shoulder reports to th... Read more
Meet 'Moderate' Guidelines for Sedation Coding
Question: An adult patient with pain in his upper chest and right shoulder reports to th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ease Compound Drug Coding With J7620
Question: While working in our urgent care center, our nurse practitioner (NP) administe... Read more
Ease Compound Drug Coding With J7620
Question: While working in our urgent care center, our nurse practitioner (NP) administe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember to Note Every Diabetic Manifestation
Question: A patient with type II uncontrolled diabetes reports to the ED. During the cou... Read more
Remember to Note Every Diabetic Manifestation
Question: A patient with type II uncontrolled diabetes reports to the ED. During the cou... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Blood Patch Epidurals
Question: A patient recovering from a spinal tap procedure he had two weeks ago reports ... Read more
Blood Patch Epidurals
Question: A patient recovering from a spinal tap procedure he had two weeks ago reports ... Read more
CPT Update:
Beware: Reporting 90760 in 2008 Will Bring Your ED a Denial
You can now separately report drug/alcohol abuse screens It's official: CPT 2008 includ... Read more
Beware: Reporting 90760 in 2008 Will Bring Your ED a Denial
You can now separately report drug/alcohol abuse screens It's official: CPT 2008 includ... Read more
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Let DAST Guide Your Counseling Claims
Use this list to ensure physician conducts a -structured screening- When your ED physic... Read more
Let DAST Guide Your Counseling Claims
Use this list to ensure physician conducts a -structured screening- When your ED physic... Read more
Speed Fracture Care Claims With 4 Answers
Remember: Separate E/M almost a given on ED fracture fixes When your ED physician perfo... Read more
Remember: Separate E/M almost a given on ED fracture fixes When your ED physician perfo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Carotid Massage Toward E/M Level
Question: A patient with tightness in his chest and labored breathing reports to the ED.... Read more
Count Carotid Massage Toward E/M Level
Question: A patient with tightness in his chest and labored breathing reports to the ED.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Incision Decision Leads to Proper Removal Code
Question: A patient reports to the ED with a fish hook in his left index finger. Notes i... Read more
Incision Decision Leads to Proper Removal Code
Question: A patient reports to the ED with a fish hook in his left index finger. Notes i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Skin Biopsies Individually
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining about an itchy red lesion on his left ... Read more
Code Skin Biopsies Individually
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining about an itchy red lesion on his left ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Observe Locum Tenens Rules for Sub Physicians
Question: One of our physicians is taking December and January off (an extended holiday)... Read more
Observe Locum Tenens Rules for Sub Physicians
Question: One of our physicians is taking December and January off (an extended holiday)... Read more
Reader Questions:
Boost E/M Level When Staff Interprets
Question: We are a very busy ED, and several physicians here do not speak Spanish. We us... Read more
Boost E/M Level When Staff Interprets
Question: We are a very busy ED, and several physicians here do not speak Spanish. We us... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Multiple Laceration Repairs
Question: A patient reports to the ED after he crashed while inline skating. He has cuts... Read more
Coding Multiple Laceration Repairs
Question: A patient reports to the ED after he crashed while inline skating. He has cuts... Read more
Determine TBSA Before Coding 2nd-Degree Burn Encounters
-Rule of Nines- is not just for ICD-9 codingYour physician will certainly treat her share ... Read more
-Rule of Nines- is not just for ICD-9 codingYour physician will certainly treat her share ... Read more
Take 2 Steps Before Choosing Chest X-Ray Code
Most providers list dozens of diagnoses for chest examsWhen your ED physician performs mul... Read more
Most providers list dozens of diagnoses for chest examsWhen your ED physician performs mul... Read more
Use This Chest/Rib X-Ray Guide for Accurate Combo Claim Coding
Override CCI edits if doctor does x-rays pre- and post-diagnosisYou can avoid overcoding r... Read more
Override CCI edits if doctor does x-rays pre- and post-diagnosisYou can avoid overcoding r... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
ED Injection/Infusion Coding Getting Stricter
Question: My practice started reporting the hydration, injection and infusion CPT codes in... Read more
ED Injection/Infusion Coding Getting Stricter
Question: My practice started reporting the hydration, injection and infusion CPT codes in... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Measure AV Block Severity in Degrees
Question: I am stumped on diagnosis coding for the following encounter. Notes indica... Read more
Measure AV Block Severity in Degrees
Question: I am stumped on diagnosis coding for the following encounter. Notes indica... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use This List to Bone Up on Fracture Types
Question: I am a bit confused. I am looking at a patient's fracture-care encounter form. N... Read more
Use This List to Bone Up on Fracture Types
Question: I am a bit confused. I am looking at a patient's fracture-care encounter form. N... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Include V Code on Toy-Related Lead Screenings
Question: What V code should we use for lead screenings that parents request for their chi... Read more
Include V Code on Toy-Related Lead Screenings
Question: What V code should we use for lead screenings that parents request for their chi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Fifth Digit Can Be Vital for Claim Acceptance
Question: A patient with extrinsic asthma reports to the ED in the throes of a severe asth... Read more
Fifth Digit Can Be Vital for Claim Acceptance
Question: A patient with extrinsic asthma reports to the ED in the throes of a severe asth... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Diagnosis Coding for Insulin OD
Question: A patient with uncontrolled type II diabetes who is on insulin reports to the ED... Read more
Diagnosis Coding for Insulin OD
Question: A patient with uncontrolled type II diabetes who is on insulin reports to the ED... Read more