ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Not So Fast on Changing E/M Guidelines
Question: We heard that as of January 1, we will no longer need all three E/M components (history, exam, and medical decision making (MDM)) and can just use time or MDM to select our E/M code. Our administrator said this isn’t the case. Is she right? Alabama Subscriber Answer: Yes, the administrator is correct when dealing with the ED E/M codes (99281-99285). Although CMS has scheduled such changes to take place for the office and other outpatient E/M codes (99201-99215) effective January 1, 2021, the ED codes are exempt from this rule. The concept of coding based on time does not apply to the ED codes, so this rule would not be applicable to this code set. Therefore, you won’t have to learn a new set of coding rules in 2021 like the physician offices will.
ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
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Can You Differentiate Traumatic, Spontaneous Hip Dislocations?
Question: A patient recently arrived at the ED via ambulance with a right hip dislocation. [...] - Reader Question:
Consider How to Code Anaphylaxis Injection
Question: We saw a patient who came in after a yellow jacket sting. Initially she [...] - Reader Question:
Not So Fast on Changing E/M Guidelines
Question: We heard that as of January 1, we will no longer need all three [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Differentiate ECG, EKG
Question: What is the difference between an ECG and an EKG? Codify Subscriber Answer: There [...] - Reader Question:
How Should You Code Heat, Ice?
Question: A patient came into the ED with an injured arm, and the provider gave [...]
