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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

2013 CPT® Update:

Prep for Revisions to Observation and Thoracentesis Codes

Published on Sun Oct 14, 2012

Learn more about these changes to prolonged care, flu vaccines, and Appendix G assignments. ED coders can expect to make adjustments to chest procedure and observation care coding, as well as other services in 2013. Read on for analysis and commentary on the top changes you'll need to make.Overview: The 2013 CPT® book was released earlier than usual this year, and includes 251 revised and 151 new Category I codes. There are also 100 codes that have been deleted. Focus On Observation ChangesNearly every E/M code has some revision, although the vast majority are for internal consistency with CPT's introductory language acknowledging that not every provider is a physician, says Michael A. Granovsky, MD, FACEP, CPC, President of LogixHealth, a medical coding and billing company in Bedford, MA. There is new language for 2013 in each of the E/M codes, which eliminates the word "provider" and replaces it with "qualified [...]
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