ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
CMS Final Rule:
Expect Increase in Medicare Pay in 2015 -- But Brace for Possible Big Changes
Congress holds the bag on the SGR fix which could make or break your bottom line next year... Read more
Expect Increase in Medicare Pay in 2015 -- But Brace for Possible Big Changes
Congress holds the bag on the SGR fix which could make or break your bottom line next year... Read more
Clip and Save:
Keep These Charts Handy to Track RVUs for Common ED Services
ED Related RVUS 2014 and 2015 RVUs Compared (Source: 2015 Final Rule) Observation E... Read more
Keep These Charts Handy to Track RVUs for Common ED Services
ED Related RVUS 2014 and 2015 RVUs Compared (Source: 2015 Final Rule) Observation E... Read more
EKG Denials:
Monitor Your Documentation To Rejuvenate Payment For EKG Interpretations
Does your chart trace a clear picture of a separately identifiable service? It's happenin... Read more
Monitor Your Documentation To Rejuvenate Payment For EKG Interpretations
Does your chart trace a clear picture of a separately identifiable service? It's happenin... Read more
Reader Question:
Sign Here, Please! Know The Signature Rules To Prevent Denied Or Recouped Payments
Question: One of our physicians likes to sign everything with just his initials or ... Read more
Sign Here, Please! Know The Signature Rules To Prevent Denied Or Recouped Payments
Question: One of our physicians likes to sign everything with just his initials or ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Get Stuck: Know These Rules for ED TPIs And Other Injections
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of severe neck pain. He reports t... Read more
Don't Get Stuck: Know These Rules for ED TPIs And Other Injections
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of severe neck pain. He reports t... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Front And Center on Knowing the Physical Presence Rules for Teaching Physicians
Question: We are getting a lot of feedback that our emergency physician faculty mem... Read more
Be Front And Center on Knowing the Physical Presence Rules for Teaching Physicians
Question: We are getting a lot of feedback that our emergency physician faculty mem... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nail Down the Correct Code: Laceration Repair or Nail Bed Repair?
Question: What codes would your assign for the following chart note? Wound Repair... Read more
Nail Down the Correct Code: Laceration Repair or Nail Bed Repair?
Question: What codes would your assign for the following chart note? Wound Repair... Read more
2015 CPT® Update:
Look for Changes to Ultrasound Guided Arthrocentesis, Breast Ultrasound, and Care Management E/M Language
And see how new rib fracture treatment alters your closed rib fracture coding. C... Read more
Look for Changes to Ultrasound Guided Arthrocentesis, Breast Ultrasound, and Care Management E/M Language
And see how new rib fracture treatment alters your closed rib fracture coding. C... Read more
Clip and Save:
Keep Your Flu Shot Coding on Track With This Handy Chart
Here’s a resource you don’t want to be without when you’re billing flu... Read more
Keep Your Flu Shot Coding on Track With This Handy Chart
Here’s a resource you don’t want to be without when you’re billing flu... Read more
Influenza Vaccine Update:
When You Check The Status of Your Vaccinations, Don't Forget to Verify Your Vaccine Codes Are Also Up to Date
Subtle changes in 2015 CPT® language can cause you to miscode if you don’t hav... Read more
When You Check The Status of Your Vaccinations, Don't Forget to Verify Your Vaccine Codes Are Also Up to Date
Subtle changes in 2015 CPT® language can cause you to miscode if you don’t hav... Read more
Critical Care:
You Must Meet Both The "Critical" Illness and the Time Thresholds To Accurately Report Critical Care
Review these strategies to avoid auditors’ scrutiny. Critical care coding ... Read more
You Must Meet Both The "Critical" Illness and the Time Thresholds To Accurately Report Critical Care
Review these strategies to avoid auditors’ scrutiny. Critical care coding ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Make your code choice stick when using adhesives for wound closure
Question: How would you report the following service? A 28- year-old male present... Read more
Make your code choice stick when using adhesives for wound closure
Question: How would you report the following service? A 28- year-old male present... Read more
Modifier -59:
"X" Marks the Spot With New HCPCS Modifiers To Identify A Distinct Service
Check out these four new modifiers for 2015 as an alternative to reporting 59 Your coding... Read more
"X" Marks the Spot With New HCPCS Modifiers To Identify A Distinct Service
Check out these four new modifiers for 2015 as an alternative to reporting 59 Your coding... Read more
Urgent Care Coding:
Take Fast Action To Brush Up On Urgent Care Coding
The documentation guidelines are different for this non- ED site of service. Do you know... Read more
Take Fast Action To Brush Up On Urgent Care Coding
The documentation guidelines are different for this non- ED site of service. Do you know... Read more
Documentation Strategies:
Make Some Quality Time to Understand the Context of HPI Elements to Avoid Severe Audit Penalties
Use the right terms to master this important E/M component which is a frequent audit tar... Read more
Make Some Quality Time to Understand the Context of HPI Elements to Avoid Severe Audit Penalties
Use the right terms to master this important E/M component which is a frequent audit tar... Read more
Tips Upgrade Your HPI Precision
Check out these expert tips for deciding how to count documented HPI elements. Todd... Read more
Check out these expert tips for deciding how to count documented HPI elements. Todd... Read more
Reader Question:
Can I Bill For a Moonlighting Resident's Services?
Question: I have residents who moonlight for us in the emergency department. I also... Read more
Can I Bill For a Moonlighting Resident's Services?
Question: I have residents who moonlight for us in the emergency department. I also... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to CPT® For ED E/M Clinical Examples
Question: Where do I find good examples of documentation cases for each level of se... Read more
Look to CPT® For ED E/M Clinical Examples
Question: Where do I find good examples of documentation cases for each level of se... Read more
Reader Question:
Sew Up The Right Lac Code Choice By Noting Length, Repair Class
Question: What category of repair would you assign for this patient? I’ve inc... Read more
Sew Up The Right Lac Code Choice By Noting Length, Repair Class
Question: What category of repair would you assign for this patient? I’ve inc... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Draining a Paronychia? Look For Mention of Incision and Drainage, Cleaning
Question: I have a coding question on a procedure that I would like to pose to you,... Read more
Draining a Paronychia? Look For Mention of Incision and Drainage, Cleaning
Question: I have a coding question on a procedure that I would like to pose to you,... Read more
Should We Expect Changes of Global Nature In Future Physician Payments?
The CMS 2015 Proposed Rule estimates there will be a slight increase in emergency physic... Read more
The CMS 2015 Proposed Rule estimates there will be a slight increase in emergency physic... Read more
Intubation Coding:
Scope Out These 5 Tips to Boost Your Common ED Airway Procedure Accuracy
The reason for and manner of placement are key factors in choosing the right airway-rela... Read more
Scope Out These 5 Tips to Boost Your Common ED Airway Procedure Accuracy
The reason for and manner of placement are key factors in choosing the right airway-rela... Read more
Freestanding EDs:
Freestanding ED or Urgent Care? Licensing Designation Will Drive Your Coding Selection
Even among licensed freestanding EDs, payment rules can be different. Read on to learn w... Read more
Freestanding ED or Urgent Care? Licensing Designation Will Drive Your Coding Selection
Even among licensed freestanding EDs, payment rules can be different. Read on to learn w... Read more
ICD-10:
Oct. 2015 Finish Line Set: Crank Up Your ICD-10 Training, Prep Now for ICD-10 Testing
You’ll want to know the four pronged approach CMS has designed to test for ICD-10 ... Read more
Oct. 2015 Finish Line Set: Crank Up Your ICD-10 Training, Prep Now for ICD-10 Testing
You’ll want to know the four pronged approach CMS has designed to test for ICD-10 ... Read more
Reader Question:
ED Rules Allow for Trigger Point Injections (TPIs)
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of severe neck pain. He reports t... Read more
ED Rules Allow for Trigger Point Injections (TPIs)
Question: A patient reports to the ED complaining of severe neck pain. He reports t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check the Chart for Additional Services When Delivering a Baby
Question: Can I bill for an E/M service in additional to the delivery of a baby giv... Read more
Check the Chart for Additional Services When Delivering a Baby
Question: Can I bill for an E/M service in additional to the delivery of a baby giv... Read more
Coding Strategies:
Make Sure Your Wound Recheck Policy is All Sewn Up for Accurate Coding
Check the chart and verify the assigned global periods to predict the correct payment ... Read more
Make Sure Your Wound Recheck Policy is All Sewn Up for Accurate Coding
Check the chart and verify the assigned global periods to predict the correct payment ... Read more
Repair Codes RVUs:
Handy Chart Outlines Your Repair Code Pay Factors
Work RVU Comparison for Sample Simple Repair Codes vs. Intermediate and Complex codes&nb... Read more
Handy Chart Outlines Your Repair Code Pay Factors
Work RVU Comparison for Sample Simple Repair Codes vs. Intermediate and Complex codes&nb... Read more
Fracture Care:
Strategies Help You Ace Your ED Orthopedic Procedure Coding
Emergency department (ED) physicians are often the first line in evaluating, diagnosing ... Read more
Strategies Help You Ace Your ED Orthopedic Procedure Coding
Emergency department (ED) physicians are often the first line in evaluating, diagnosing ... Read more
ICD-10:
Tactics Build Up Your Traumatic Fracture Care Dx Expertise
You’ll need to amp up your fracture coding skills under ICD-10 to ensure that emer... Read more
Tactics Build Up Your Traumatic Fracture Care Dx Expertise
You’ll need to amp up your fracture coding skills under ICD-10 to ensure that emer... Read more
What is the Gustilo Classification?
The Gustilo open fracture classification groups open fractures into three main categorie... Read more
The Gustilo open fracture classification groups open fractures into three main categorie... Read more
Fracture Tool:
List Summarizes 7th Character Extensions
Let these examples of the 7th character extensions for fractures that do not use Gustilo... Read more
List Summarizes 7th Character Extensions
Let these examples of the 7th character extensions for fractures that do not use Gustilo... Read more
Reader Question:
Call For Advice Before Reporting EMS Directed ALS From The ED
Question: Is there a code for live feed in back from an EMS transport team to the e... Read more
Call For Advice Before Reporting EMS Directed ALS From The ED
Question: Is there a code for live feed in back from an EMS transport team to the e... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Measuring Lesion Excision Sites
Question: When the ED physician removes a benign lesion, how should I measure the e... Read more
Measuring Lesion Excision Sites
Question: When the ED physician removes a benign lesion, how should I measure the e... Read more
Burn Coding:
Turn Up The Heat On Your Procedure Payments With These Burn Coding Tips
Chart documentation will guide the proper code choice to describe your burn care. Burn pr... Read more
Turn Up The Heat On Your Procedure Payments With These Burn Coding Tips
Chart documentation will guide the proper code choice to describe your burn care. Burn pr... Read more
Burn Code Calculator:
Track Your Burn Code Pay With This Handy Reference
Payments increase significantly with higher level burn code assignments Check out this... Read more
Track Your Burn Code Pay With This Handy Reference
Payments increase significantly with higher level burn code assignments Check out this... Read more
ICD-10 Connection:
Know the Difference Between Burns and Corrosions
To accurately report burn diagnoses in ICD-10, you’ll need to be able to identify ... Read more
Know the Difference Between Burns and Corrosions
To accurately report burn diagnoses in ICD-10, you’ll need to be able to identify ... Read more
Modifier 59:
Follow 5 Rules When You Use Modifier 59
Read on for a recap of the rules with ED examples for using to avoid future audit trouble.... Read more
Follow 5 Rules When You Use Modifier 59
Read on for a recap of the rules with ED examples for using to avoid future audit trouble.... Read more
Reader Question:
Get A Reading On The Correct Way To Report Interpretation Of A Cardiac Monitor
Question: Can you please provide me with your general understanding of when and wha... Read more
Get A Reading On The Correct Way To Report Interpretation Of A Cardiac Monitor
Question: Can you please provide me with your general understanding of when and wha... Read more
Reader Question:
Was There A Close Encounter Of The Face-to-Face Kind For The Physician Assistant E/M Service?
Question: One of our physicians heard a rumor of a relaxation of the Medicare Face... Read more
Was There A Close Encounter Of The Face-to-Face Kind For The Physician Assistant E/M Service?
Question: One of our physicians heard a rumor of a relaxation of the Medicare Face... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Critical Care and Additional Services When Warranted
Question: The ED physician spends a total of 115 minutes caring exclusively for a c... Read more
Code Critical Care and Additional Services When Warranted
Question: The ED physician spends a total of 115 minutes caring exclusively for a c... Read more
Coding for Inpatient Visits:
The Payer Will Guide Your Code Choice For Inpatients Seen After Admission
Pay attention: The rules for reporting subsequent hospital care codes differ from ED E/M... Read more
The Payer Will Guide Your Code Choice For Inpatients Seen After Admission
Pay attention: The rules for reporting subsequent hospital care codes differ from ED E/M... Read more
Facility Observation Coding:
Good News And Bad News: Your Facility Observation Payments Will Increase in 2014, But There's A Catch
Look for higher payment but more packaging of services such as labs in 2014. 2014 brin... Read more
Good News And Bad News: Your Facility Observation Payments Will Increase in 2014, But There's A Catch
Look for higher payment but more packaging of services such as labs in 2014. 2014 brin... Read more
Facility Observation Audits:
Prepare For Audit Intensity With the Two-Midnight Rule
Review the CMS requirements for observation care, because they are observing your code c... Read more
Prepare For Audit Intensity With the Two-Midnight Rule
Review the CMS requirements for observation care, because they are observing your code c... Read more
Reader Question:
See Clearly When Fluoroscopy Is Separately Reportable
Question: A patient presents with an elbow fracture/dislocation, which was reduced ... Read more
See Clearly When Fluoroscopy Is Separately Reportable
Question: A patient presents with an elbow fracture/dislocation, which was reduced ... Read more
Reader Question:
Observation Or Prolonged Care In The Urgent Care Setting?
Question: We do coding for an urgent care center within our facility and a question... Read more
Observation Or Prolonged Care In The Urgent Care Setting?
Question: We do coding for an urgent care center within our facility and a question... Read more
Reader Question:
Ultrasound Can Be Billed Separately When Documented
Question: A 26-year-old patient who is 24 weeks pregnant presents to the ED; &ldquo... Read more
Ultrasound Can Be Billed Separately When Documented
Question: A 26-year-old patient who is 24 weeks pregnant presents to the ED; &ldquo... Read more
Reader Question:
Teaching Physician's Presence Required For Resident's E/M
Question: A physician in our ED recently started supervising a resident’s services... Read more
Teaching Physician's Presence Required For Resident's E/M
Question: A physician in our ED recently started supervising a resident’s services... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Discharging Patients After Overnight Observation Stays
Question: A patient presents in the ED with unspecified chest pain. After a complete ... Read more
Discharging Patients After Overnight Observation Stays
Question: A patient presents in the ED with unspecified chest pain. After a complete ... Read more
SGR Cliff Postponed With Another Patch Through The End of the Year
Implementation Of ICD-10 And Two Midnight Rule Audit Action Both Delayed Several... Read more
Implementation Of ICD-10 And Two Midnight Rule Audit Action Both Delayed Several... Read more
Keep These HR 4302 Driven Revised Due Dates Handy
Medicare Conversion Factor$35.8228 12/31/14... Read more
Medicare Conversion Factor$35.8228 12/31/14... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Don't Let A Back Pain Diagnosis Cause You M76.00
Provide clarification of exact location and cause of back pain. ICD-10 implementation ... Read more
Don't Let A Back Pain Diagnosis Cause You M76.00
Provide clarification of exact location and cause of back pain. ICD-10 implementation ... Read more
PQRS Update:
Be Sure You're in the Loop on These New Remittance Codes for PQRS Claims
Add a nominal charge for reporting PQRS codes on your claims. CMS recently announced t... Read more
Be Sure You're in the Loop on These New Remittance Codes for PQRS Claims
Add a nominal charge for reporting PQRS codes on your claims. CMS recently announced t... Read more
Reader Question:
Who Caught the PFSH? Make Sure the Record is Clear It Was Reviewed
Question: If past medical, surgical, social, and family history are documented by ... Read more
Who Caught the PFSH? Make Sure the Record is Clear It Was Reviewed
Question: If past medical, surgical, social, and family history are documented by ... Read more
Reader Question:
Can Two Docs Report 99291 For the Same Patient On the Same Day?
Question: I have a debate with our biller regarding how to bill Critical Car... Read more
Can Two Docs Report 99291 For the Same Patient On the Same Day?
Question: I have a debate with our biller regarding how to bill Critical Car... Read more
Reader Question:
Heed This Counsel: Time is Not a Component of ED E/M Codes
Question: A patient with a chronic gastric ulcer reports to the ED complaining of ... Read more
Heed This Counsel: Time is Not a Component of ED E/M Codes
Question: A patient with a chronic gastric ulcer reports to the ED complaining of ... Read more
Reader Question:
Make a Careful ID of What Service Was Provided for Incision, Drainage Procedures
Question: The ED physician performs a level-four E/M service for a patient and diag... Read more
Make a Careful ID of What Service Was Provided for Incision, Drainage Procedures
Question: The ED physician performs a level-four E/M service for a patient and diag... Read more
Reader Question:
Check the Payer before Reporting a Consultation Code
Question: What is the right code to use in the following scenario? Patient presen... Read more
Check the Payer before Reporting a Consultation Code
Question: What is the right code to use in the following scenario? Patient presen... Read more
Reader Question:
Complete PFSH Required For Observation Services
Question: Is it always required that a family history be documented before assignin... Read more
Complete PFSH Required For Observation Services
Question: Is it always required that a family history be documented before assignin... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Modify Your Fracture Care Coding To Provide The Exact Scope Of Services Provided
Question: A 4-year-old girl reports to the ED with her mother; the mother says the ... Read more
Modify Your Fracture Care Coding To Provide The Exact Scope Of Services Provided
Question: A 4-year-old girl reports to the ED with her mother; the mother says the ... Read more
Facility Coding:
How to Bill for Dx Studies When ED Patient Doesn't See the Doc
Read the rules carefully to determine which services are reportable and which are not wi... Read more
How to Bill for Dx Studies When ED Patient Doesn't See the Doc
Read the rules carefully to determine which services are reportable and which are not wi... Read more
Appealing Audits:
Get Ready To Adjust Your Audit Appeals Timeframes
Here’s the latest on how the ALJ backlog will suspend new appeals for two years. ... Read more
Get Ready To Adjust Your Audit Appeals Timeframes
Here’s the latest on how the ALJ backlog will suspend new appeals for two years. ... Read more
Intubation Coding:
Breathe Easy When Coding Common ED Airway Procedures
Check the chart for the reason for procedure any mention of using masks or scopes An e... Read more
Breathe Easy When Coding Common ED Airway Procedures
Check the chart for the reason for procedure any mention of using masks or scopes An e... Read more
Reader Question:
Sew Up What Is Really Included In The Global Period For Laceration Repairs
Question: I had a patient come in with a laceration that was repaired using a simp... Read more
Sew Up What Is Really Included In The Global Period For Laceration Repairs
Question: I had a patient come in with a laceration that was repaired using a simp... Read more
Reader Question:
Say Goodbye To Reporting H, I, I Codes on the Professional Side
Question: A patient reports to the ED reporting dehydration, weakness, and flu-lik... Read more
Say Goodbye To Reporting H, I, I Codes on the Professional Side
Question: A patient reports to the ED reporting dehydration, weakness, and flu-lik... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember Exceptions When Choosing Fracture Modifiers
Question: A patient reports to the ED with an injured right finger he suffered dur... Read more
Remember Exceptions When Choosing Fracture Modifiers
Question: A patient reports to the ED with an injured right finger he suffered dur... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Can I Code for Both a Splint and Fracture Care from Same ED Provider?
Question: Chief Compliant: Right wrist injury History: This 66-year-old woman was... Read more
Can I Code for Both a Splint and Fracture Care from Same ED Provider?
Question: Chief Compliant: Right wrist injury History: This 66-year-old woman was... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Listen To Your Payer Before Reporting Bilateral Cerumen Removal
Make sure you are reading the rules for facility rather than office reporting When you... Read more
Listen To Your Payer Before Reporting Bilateral Cerumen Removal
Make sure you are reading the rules for facility rather than office reporting When you... Read more
Review These Tips Before Coding For Cerumen Removal
Assign 69210 only when the physician extracts impacted earwax. Additionally, the new ... Read more
Assign 69210 only when the physician extracts impacted earwax. Additionally, the new ... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Don't Develop Ulcers and Rashes Over Your Digestive and Skin Disease Dx Coding
You may have to search other chapters to find the diagnosis code you need for these syst... Read more
Don't Develop Ulcers and Rashes Over Your Digestive and Skin Disease Dx Coding
You may have to search other chapters to find the diagnosis code you need for these syst... Read more
Common ED Digestive System Related Diagnoses include
Gastric ulcer (K25.x) Peptic ulcer (K27.x) Gastritis and duodenitis (K29) ... Read more
Gastric ulcer (K25.x) Peptic ulcer (K27.x) Gastritis and duodenitis (K29) ... Read more
Documentation Guidelines:
Those That Don't Study The Elements OF History Are Doomed To Repeat Them Under Audit
Brush up on the HPI and ROS components of history documentation to stay out of trouble. ... Read more
Those That Don't Study The Elements OF History Are Doomed To Repeat Them Under Audit
Brush up on the HPI and ROS components of history documentation to stay out of trouble. ... Read more
Recognized Organ Systems For The Review Of Systems Documentation
Check out this list of the elements of a system review, courtesy of CPT ® 2014: ... Read more
Check out this list of the elements of a system review, courtesy of CPT ® 2014: ... Read more
Reader Question:
Who Gets Credit For A Patient That Is Handed Off To A Second Provider
Question: If a patient is seen by two different docs in ED, one starts treatment then ha... Read more
Who Gets Credit For A Patient That Is Handed Off To A Second Provider
Question: If a patient is seen by two different docs in ED, one starts treatment then ha... Read more
Reader Question:
Are the Sequester Cuts Included In the 2014 Conversion Factor?
Question: Does the physician conversion factor of $35.8228, effective January. 1 to Marc... Read more
Are the Sequester Cuts Included In the 2014 Conversion Factor?
Question: Does the physician conversion factor of $35.8228, effective January. 1 to Marc... Read more
Reader Question:
Are the Sequester Cuts Included In the 2014 Conversion Factor?
Question:I have a question about PFSH. We have advised our docs to say “reviewed a... Read more
Are the Sequester Cuts Included In the 2014 Conversion Factor?
Question:I have a question about PFSH. We have advised our docs to say “reviewed a... Read more
Reader Question:
Closure Encounters Of The Foot Kind
Question: A patient reports to the ED after stepping on a rusty nail at a picnic. After ... Read more
Closure Encounters Of The Foot Kind
Question: A patient reports to the ED after stepping on a rusty nail at a picnic. After ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Chronic Condition Or New Undiagnosed Problem? The Documentation Will Guide Your Code Choices.
Question: What E/M code would you assign to this patient with chronic back pain? Sh... Read more
Chronic Condition Or New Undiagnosed Problem? The Documentation Will Guide Your Code Choices.
Question: What E/M code would you assign to this patient with chronic back pain? Sh... Read more
Facility Coding:
You Don't Need To Stay Up Late To Understand The Two Midnight Rule
The expected length of the hospital stay will suggest the proper site of service designa... Read more
You Don't Need To Stay Up Late To Understand The Two Midnight Rule
The expected length of the hospital stay will suggest the proper site of service designa... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Amp Up Your Cardiac And Respiratory Presentations Documentation
Hypertension codes have less specificity except when reported with chronic kidney diseas... Read more
Amp Up Your Cardiac And Respiratory Presentations Documentation
Hypertension codes have less specificity except when reported with chronic kidney diseas... Read more
Sustainable Growth Rate Fix:
Look For A Reprieve In Payment Cuts, For Now
Formula driven cuts avoided with interim Conversion Factor of $35.8228 At least for th... Read more
Look For A Reprieve In Payment Cuts, For Now
Formula driven cuts avoided with interim Conversion Factor of $35.8228 At least for th... Read more
Handy List of Common ED Cardiovascular Presentations
I10 (Essential [primary] hypertension) I12.0 (Hypertensive chronic kidney disease... Read more
I10 (Essential [primary] hypertension) I12.0 (Hypertensive chronic kidney disease... Read more
Reader Question:
Is Removal of A Rust Ring Considered a Foreign Body Removal?
Question: I recently had a chart with a machine shop worker complaining of left eye pain... Read more
Is Removal of A Rust Ring Considered a Foreign Body Removal?
Question: I recently had a chart with a machine shop worker complaining of left eye pain... Read more
Reader Question:
Read Slowly and Carefully Or You Miss Out On Accurate FAST Exam Coding
Question: I have a chart that indicates that the ED physician treated a patient with con... Read more
Read Slowly and Carefully Or You Miss Out On Accurate FAST Exam Coding
Question: I have a chart that indicates that the ED physician treated a patient with con... Read more
Reader Question:
Critical Care, CPR, or Both? Use The Time Documentation As Your Guide
Question: A 65-year-old disabled patient presented to the ED with nausea, vomiting, and ... Read more
Critical Care, CPR, or Both? Use The Time Documentation As Your Guide
Question: A 65-year-old disabled patient presented to the ED with nausea, vomiting, and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Extent of Treatment and Depth Of Burn Will Justify A Separate E/M Code
Question: When my ED physicians treat a burn, can we also report an ED E/M service on the ... Read more
Extent of Treatment and Depth Of Burn Will Justify A Separate E/M Code
Question: When my ED physicians treat a burn, can we also report an ED E/M service on the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Turn A Deaf Ear To A Separate Ear FBR Removal Code
Question: A father brings his 2-year-old son into the ED with an injury to his right ear... Read more
Don't Turn A Deaf Ear To A Separate Ear FBR Removal Code
Question: A father brings his 2-year-old son into the ED with an injury to his right ear... Read more
Reader Question:
It's An Open And Shut Case For ED Presentations Of Closed Fracture Care
Question: I know I’ve seen this before, but I get confused with orthopedic procedu... Read more
It's An Open And Shut Case For ED Presentations Of Closed Fracture Care
Question: I know I’ve seen this before, but I get confused with orthopedic procedu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding Multiple Laceration Repairs
Question: A 17 year-old male reports to the ED after a bad fall from a skateboard. He ha... Read more
Coding Multiple Laceration Repairs
Question: A 17 year-old male reports to the ED after a bad fall from a skateboard. He ha... Read more
2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Expect a Two Percent Payment Boost For ED Services
RVUs drop slightly, but overall payments will increase because of the MEI reweighting. ... Read more
Expect a Two Percent Payment Boost For ED Services
RVUs drop slightly, but overall payments will increase because of the MEI reweighting. ... Read more
OPPS Final Rule Update:
Good News: Your ED Facility Levels Get a Reprieve
Payment levels also increase in 2014 OPPS final rule. For now, you can expect the stat... Read more
Good News: Your ED Facility Levels Get a Reprieve
Payment levels also increase in 2014 OPPS final rule. For now, you can expect the stat... Read more
Clip and Save:
Chart Guides Your 2014 ED Facility Reporting
The table below summarizes the facility reporting of ED and outpatient clinic visits for... Read more
Chart Guides Your 2014 ED Facility Reporting
The table below summarizes the facility reporting of ED and outpatient clinic visits for... Read more
PQRS Reporting:
Quality Reporting Takes the Next Step on Data Collection and the Value-Based Modifier
Don’t miss these changes to the CMS Physician Compare website data. The final ru... Read more
Quality Reporting Takes the Next Step on Data Collection and the Value-Based Modifier
Don’t miss these changes to the CMS Physician Compare website data. The final ru... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Look Sharp and Listen Up: ICD-10 Brings These Changes to Your Eyes and Ears Disease Diagnoses
Exact anatomical location and laterality are the buzzwords for dealing with eye and ear ... Read more
Look Sharp and Listen Up: ICD-10 Brings These Changes to Your Eyes and Ears Disease Diagnoses
Exact anatomical location and laterality are the buzzwords for dealing with eye and ear ... Read more
Reader Question:
No Diagnosis Listed? Here's What to Report
Question: I have an ER chart where my doctor listed as the final diagnosis well baby exa... Read more
No Diagnosis Listed? Here's What to Report
Question: I have an ER chart where my doctor listed as the final diagnosis well baby exa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nail Dx for Complicated Facial Injury Presentation
Question: What ICD-10 codes would you assign to the following case? Hx. of present ill... Read more
Nail Dx for Complicated Facial Injury Presentation
Question: What ICD-10 codes would you assign to the following case? Hx. of present ill... Read more