Internal Medicine Coding Alert
CPT® Coding:
Use This Advice to Master Vaccination Coding
Remember to check for supply coding chances. If your internist performs vaccinations f... Read more
Use This Advice to Master Vaccination Coding
Remember to check for supply coding chances. If your internist performs vaccinations f... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Use This Quiz to Check I&D Smarts
How do you get paid for repeat procedures within global period? When your clinician pe... Read more
Use This Quiz to Check I&D Smarts
How do you get paid for repeat procedures within global period? When your clinician pe... Read more
Quiz Answers:
Read Experts' Input on Coding Scenarios
How many did you get right? Read on to find out. Scenario 1: Simple vs. Complicated I&... Read more
Read Experts' Input on Coding Scenarios
How many did you get right? Read on to find out. Scenario 1: Simple vs. Complicated I&... Read more
Reader Question:
Retests Can Change Pap Smear Coding
Question: Our internist recently performed a repeat Pap smear for a woman as her Pa... Read more
Retests Can Change Pap Smear Coding
Question: Our internist recently performed a repeat Pap smear for a woman as her Pa... Read more
Reader Question:
Know How to Report Feeding Difficulties
Question: If our internist reported “feeding difficulties,” what code s... Read more
Know How to Report Feeding Difficulties
Question: If our internist reported “feeding difficulties,” what code s... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Get Bit by Incorrect Stinger Removal Coding
Question: An established patient presented to our internist after being stung by a ... Read more
Don't Get Bit by Incorrect Stinger Removal Coding
Question: An established patient presented to our internist after being stung by a ... Read more
CCI Update:
Check Out Latest CCI Edits to File Cleanest Debridement Claims Possible
Here’s what to do when the debridement code is in Column 1. The latest version o... Read more
Check Out Latest CCI Edits to File Cleanest Debridement Claims Possible
Here’s what to do when the debridement code is in Column 1. The latest version o... Read more
E/M Coding:
Use These Tips for Top-Notch Prolonged Services Reporting
Remember to keep indirect, face-to-face care separate. If your internist performs an e... Read more
Use These Tips for Top-Notch Prolonged Services Reporting
Remember to keep indirect, face-to-face care separate. If your internist performs an e... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Stay Cool With This Spot-On Burn Coding Advice
Experts: Diagnosis codes vital to burn treatment claims. When your internist performs ... Read more
Stay Cool With This Spot-On Burn Coding Advice
Experts: Diagnosis codes vital to burn treatment claims. When your internist performs ... Read more
Reader Question:
Most Ages Fall Under This Feeding Difficulties Dx
Question: If our physician reported “feeding difficulties,” what code s... Read more
Most Ages Fall Under This Feeding Difficulties Dx
Question: If our physician reported “feeding difficulties,” what code s... Read more
Reader Question:
Contact Payer to Nail Down Sports Physicals Coding
Question: I am new to internal medicine coding, and I was looking at reporting spor... Read more
Contact Payer to Nail Down Sports Physicals Coding
Question: I am new to internal medicine coding, and I was looking at reporting spor... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Clearing Cerumen for Ear Exam
Question: Our internist performed removal of cerumen by irrigating the ears of a pa... Read more
Clearing Cerumen for Ear Exam
Question: Our internist performed removal of cerumen by irrigating the ears of a pa... Read more
CPT® 2017 Update:
Learn The Coding Changes Affecting Internal Medicine In 2017
Influenza vaccines to be based on dosage. If you have been thinking about what CPT®... Read more
Learn The Coding Changes Affecting Internal Medicine In 2017
Influenza vaccines to be based on dosage. If you have been thinking about what CPT®... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Zika Virus Reporting: New Item in 2017 ICD-10
Use symptoms to support testing for the virus. As more patients with Zika vir... Read more
Zika Virus Reporting: New Item in 2017 ICD-10
Use symptoms to support testing for the virus. As more patients with Zika vir... Read more
Part B Coding:
Part B Update: You Are Not Bound to Accept Each and Every New Medicare Patient
MACs clarify doubts over “incident to” and “shared/split” servic... Read more
Part B Update: You Are Not Bound to Accept Each and Every New Medicare Patient
MACs clarify doubts over “incident to” and “shared/split” servic... Read more
Reader Question:
Sports Physicals: 97005 or E/M Codes?
Question: I am new to Internal Medicine Coding, and I was looking at reporting spor... Read more
Sports Physicals: 97005 or E/M Codes?
Question: I am new to Internal Medicine Coding, and I was looking at reporting spor... Read more
Reader Question:
FBR with Wound Exploration
Question: Our clinician recently performed wound exploration for a patient who had ... Read more
FBR with Wound Exploration
Question: Our clinician recently performed wound exploration for a patient who had ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Same Code For Aspiration and Injection During Arthrocentesis
Question: When our physician performed arthrocentesis of the left shoulder, he perf... Read more
Same Code For Aspiration and Injection During Arthrocentesis
Question: When our physician performed arthrocentesis of the left shoulder, he perf... Read more
E/M Coding:
4 Handy E/M Coding Tips For Accurate Reporting
Watch out to avoid down-coding the encounter. When reporting E/M encounters, you might... Read more
4 Handy E/M Coding Tips For Accurate Reporting
Watch out to avoid down-coding the encounter. When reporting E/M encounters, you might... Read more
Preventive Services:
Master Tobacco Cessation Counseling Reporting With These 4 Pointers
Document time accurately to avoid chances of underpayments. When reporting tobacco ces... Read more
Master Tobacco Cessation Counseling Reporting With These 4 Pointers
Document time accurately to avoid chances of underpayments. When reporting tobacco ces... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Perfect Wound Debridement Reporting with These 4 Tips
Hint: Watch edits when reporting multiple wound debridement of different depths. When ... Read more
Perfect Wound Debridement Reporting with These 4 Tips
Hint: Watch edits when reporting multiple wound debridement of different depths. When ... Read more
Reader Question:
Can 69209 Be Reported With 69210?
Question: Our internist performed removal of cerumen impaction of both the ears. He... Read more
Can 69209 Be Reported With 69210?
Question: Our internist performed removal of cerumen impaction of both the ears. He... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Established E/M is Possible Without One Key Component
Question: I have newly joined into internal medicine coding. Recently, when reporti... Read more
Reporting Established E/M is Possible Without One Key Component
Question: I have newly joined into internal medicine coding. Recently, when reporti... Read more
Mythbuster:
Steer Clear Of These 4 New vs. Established E/M Myths to Strengthen Your Claims
Hint: Patient status determined by physician relationship, not by POS. Whenever a pati... Read more
Steer Clear Of These 4 New vs. Established E/M Myths to Strengthen Your Claims
Hint: Patient status determined by physician relationship, not by POS. Whenever a pati... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Ensure Foreign Body Removal Coding Success with These 5 Tips
Hint: Don’t use FBR codes if physician doesn’t perform an incision. When y... Read more
Ensure Foreign Body Removal Coding Success with These 5 Tips
Hint: Don’t use FBR codes if physician doesn’t perform an incision. When y... Read more
Preventive Services:
Learn Bone Density Screening Reporting With 4 Simple Steps
Hint: Don’t use ‘M codes’ when the patient comes for screening. When... Read more
Learn Bone Density Screening Reporting With 4 Simple Steps
Hint: Don’t use ‘M codes’ when the patient comes for screening. When... Read more
Readers Question:
Support Laceration Repair with Precise Diagnosis Codes
Question: Our internist recently reviewed a 21-year-old established male patient wh... Read more
Support Laceration Repair with Precise Diagnosis Codes
Question: Our internist recently reviewed a 21-year-old established male patient wh... Read more
You Be the Coder:
How to Report An Ear Wick Insertion
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently saw a patient with infection of... Read more
How to Report An Ear Wick Insertion
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently saw a patient with infection of... Read more
Incident-to Billing:
Follow These Steps For Better Incident-to Claims To Avoid OIG Scrutiny
Learn guidelines properly or you might be raising unnecessary red flags. As an interna... Read more
Follow These Steps For Better Incident-to Claims To Avoid OIG Scrutiny
Learn guidelines properly or you might be raising unnecessary red flags. As an interna... Read more
Medicare News:
Notice Changes In JW Modifier To Report Drug Wastage
Watch for new Medicare ruling on JW modifier for discarded drugs. If you are losing ou... Read more
Notice Changes In JW Modifier To Report Drug Wastage
Watch for new Medicare ruling on JW modifier for discarded drugs. If you are losing ou... Read more
Allergy Tests:
Sail Through Allergy Testing Codes By Busting These 3 Myths
Hint: Watch number of allergens tested when counting units of code. When your internal... Read more
Sail Through Allergy Testing Codes By Busting These 3 Myths
Hint: Watch number of allergens tested when counting units of code. When your internal... Read more
Reader Question:
Laceration Repair Procedure Requires Appropriate Diagnosis Codes
Question: Our internist recently reviewed a 21-year-old established male patient wh... Read more
Laceration Repair Procedure Requires Appropriate Diagnosis Codes
Question: Our internist recently reviewed a 21-year-old established male patient wh... Read more
Reader Question:
Plan for SNF Office Payments
Question: One of our internal medicine specialists is treating a skilled nursing fa... Read more
Plan for SNF Office Payments
Question: One of our internal medicine specialists is treating a skilled nursing fa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Z Codes For High Risk Sexual Behavior
Question: Our internal medicine physician recently saw a 25-year-old female patient... Read more
Z Codes For High Risk Sexual Behavior
Question: Our internal medicine physician recently saw a 25-year-old female patient... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Start Preparing For ICD-10 Code Changes in October 2016
Wait for final code set to release in June If you are aware, the Centers for Disease C... Read more
Start Preparing For ICD-10 Code Changes in October 2016
Wait for final code set to release in June If you are aware, the Centers for Disease C... Read more
CCI 22.1 Update:
Take Note of Latest CCI Edits Affecting Internal Medicine Services
New CCI edits bundle IV infusions with almost every service or procedure. If you have ... Read more
Take Note of Latest CCI Edits Affecting Internal Medicine Services
New CCI edits bundle IV infusions with almost every service or procedure. If you have ... Read more
HIPAA:
Report: Practices Are Unprepared for Upcoming HIPAA Audits
No privacy officer? Then you aren’t HIPAA compliant. As Part B practices nationw... Read more
Report: Practices Are Unprepared for Upcoming HIPAA Audits
No privacy officer? Then you aren’t HIPAA compliant. As Part B practices nationw... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Take Medical Record Amendments Lightly
Question: One of our physicians made mistakes on several charts and printed out new... Read more
Don't Take Medical Record Amendments Lightly
Question: One of our physicians made mistakes on several charts and printed out new... Read more
Reader Question:
Measurement Of Lesion Diameter Important For Shaves and Excisions
Question: When our internal medicine physician performs shaving or excision of a le... Read more
Measurement Of Lesion Diameter Important For Shaves and Excisions
Question: When our internal medicine physician performs shaving or excision of a le... Read more
Reader Question:
Explain the EOB's Purpose To Patients
Question: We often get patients who call the practice with questions about their ex... Read more
Explain the EOB's Purpose To Patients
Question: We often get patients who call the practice with questions about their ex... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Documentation Of Diagnosis For Reporting Cervical Vaccine
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently administered Gardasil injection... Read more
Check Documentation Of Diagnosis For Reporting Cervical Vaccine
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently administered Gardasil injection... Read more
HIV Screening:
HIV Screening Services Strengthened by Adding New HCPCS G0475
Hint: Repeat screenings are only billable within a year for pregnant women. When your ... Read more
HIV Screening Services Strengthened by Adding New HCPCS G0475
Hint: Repeat screenings are only billable within a year for pregnant women. When your ... Read more
Mythbuster:
Bust These Myths to Ensure Milia Treatment Coding Success
Know the difference between incision and destruction. When your internal medicine spec... Read more
Bust These Myths to Ensure Milia Treatment Coding Success
Know the difference between incision and destruction. When your internal medicine spec... Read more
Quick Tip:
Blink and Miss Conversion Factor Change
CMS made recent small adjustment. If you weren’t paying close attention, you mig... Read more
Blink and Miss Conversion Factor Change
CMS made recent small adjustment. If you weren’t paying close attention, you mig... Read more
Compliance:
Insurance Verification Is Key To Capture Hundreds of Lost Dollars
Double check to ensure patient’s insurance info is valid before first visit. Whe... Read more
Insurance Verification Is Key To Capture Hundreds of Lost Dollars
Double check to ensure patient’s insurance info is valid before first visit. Whe... Read more
Reader Question:
Underlying Cause Important for Coding ED
Question: Recently, our internist reviewed a male patient and made a diagnosis of e... Read more
Underlying Cause Important for Coding ED
Question: Recently, our internist reviewed a male patient and made a diagnosis of e... Read more
Reader Question:
Append Correct Modifier for Substituting Physicians
Question: We are a group practice and if an internal medicine specialist who is not... Read more
Append Correct Modifier for Substituting Physicians
Question: We are a group practice and if an internal medicine specialist who is not... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Focus on PFSH in History Section for E/M Code Selection
Question: The internist’s office visit note indicates a comprehensive examina... Read more
Focus on PFSH in History Section for E/M Code Selection
Question: The internist’s office visit note indicates a comprehensive examina... Read more
Preventive Medicine:
Enhance Preventive Medicine Reporting Skills With These 2 Case Studies
Level of documentation important to decide additional E/M code When you encounter your... Read more
Enhance Preventive Medicine Reporting Skills With These 2 Case Studies
Level of documentation important to decide additional E/M code When you encounter your... Read more
Modifiers:
Clear Doubts Over Modifier 24, 25, and 27 By Asking These 3 Questions
Warning: Pick the wrong modifier and leave $100 on the table. Does your dermatologist ... Read more
Clear Doubts Over Modifier 24, 25, and 27 By Asking These 3 Questions
Warning: Pick the wrong modifier and leave $100 on the table. Does your dermatologist ... Read more
Patient Relations:
Avoid Bad Patient Relationship by Prompt Record Delivery Service
Don’t get into legal hassles by postponing patient demands for records. You migh... Read more
Avoid Bad Patient Relationship by Prompt Record Delivery Service
Don’t get into legal hassles by postponing patient demands for records. You migh... Read more
Reader Question:
Stick with 12020-12021 for Superficial Wound Dehiscence
Question: Is repair of wound dehiscence ever payable during the global period? If s... Read more
Stick with 12020-12021 for Superficial Wound Dehiscence
Question: Is repair of wound dehiscence ever payable during the global period? If s... Read more
Reader Question:
Oxygen Therapy During E/M Part Of The Service
Question: Our clinician recently ordered for oxygen therapy to a patient in the off... Read more
Oxygen Therapy During E/M Part Of The Service
Question: Our clinician recently ordered for oxygen therapy to a patient in the off... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Confused About Reporting Incomplete Annual Exam? Here's What to Do
Question: A 16-year-old girl presents for a well-child preventive medicine service ... Read more
Confused About Reporting Incomplete Annual Exam? Here's What to Do
Question: A 16-year-old girl presents for a well-child preventive medicine service ... Read more
CPT® Coding:
Learn The Technique To Report Advance Care Planning Services
Hint: Coinsurance and deductible don’t apply when ACP is part of AWV. If you hav... Read more
Learn The Technique To Report Advance Care Planning Services
Hint: Coinsurance and deductible don’t apply when ACP is part of AWV. If you hav... Read more
Preventive Care Visit:
Look For Payer Response For Your Vaccine Queries
Hint: Patient age plays important in vaccine coverage As immunizations are an integral... Read more
Look For Payer Response For Your Vaccine Queries
Hint: Patient age plays important in vaccine coverage As immunizations are an integral... Read more
E/M Coding:
Failure to Identify Proper ROS Count Could Cost You Lose Revenue
Hint: You could report a higher level E/M for a complete ROS. When you’re report... Read more
Failure to Identify Proper ROS Count Could Cost You Lose Revenue
Hint: You could report a higher level E/M for a complete ROS. When you’re report... Read more
Reader Question:
Reporting Digital Block With Excision
Question: Our internist performed a toenail excision and nail bed repair with a dig... Read more
Reporting Digital Block With Excision
Question: Our internist performed a toenail excision and nail bed repair with a dig... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Watch Global Period for Repeat Abscess Drainage Procedure
Question: A patient reported back to our physician for a wound check following drai... Read more
Watch Global Period for Repeat Abscess Drainage Procedure
Question: A patient reported back to our physician for a wound check following drai... Read more
CCI 22.0 Update:
Remember To Check CCI 22.0 Edits When Reporting CPT® 2016 Codes
Make the distinction between modifier indicators of ‘1’ and ‘0.’... Read more
Remember To Check CCI 22.0 Edits When Reporting CPT® 2016 Codes
Make the distinction between modifier indicators of ‘1’ and ‘0.’... Read more
Foot Care:
Increase Routine Foot Care Claims Success Rate For Diabetics
Check your local allowed primary diagnostic codes to ensure timely reimbursement. If y... Read more
Increase Routine Foot Care Claims Success Rate For Diabetics
Check your local allowed primary diagnostic codes to ensure timely reimbursement. If y... Read more
Compliance:
Receive Reimbursement for Uncovered Services with ABNs
ABN protocols can have residual effects on patient relations. If you don’t want ... Read more
Receive Reimbursement for Uncovered Services with ABNs
ABN protocols can have residual effects on patient relations. If you don’t want ... Read more
Reader Question:
Same Day Tendon Injections and Strapping
Question: Our clinician performed injection of a therapeutic agent into a tendon sh... Read more
Same Day Tendon Injections and Strapping
Question: Our clinician performed injection of a therapeutic agent into a tendon sh... Read more
Reader Question:
Billing Same Level E/M for Follow-up Visits
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently saw a patient who was suffering... Read more
Billing Same Level E/M for Follow-up Visits
Question: Our internal medicine specialist recently saw a patient who was suffering... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Count Lesions and Not Number of Injections for Reporting 11900
Question: Our internist recently performed intralesional injections for a patient. ... Read more
Count Lesions and Not Number of Injections for Reporting 11900
Question: Our internist recently performed intralesional injections for a patient. ... Read more
E/M Coding:
Procure Deserved E/M Reimbursement with Modifier 25
E/M-25 must go beyond “usual” E/M service built into procedure code. When ... Read more
Procure Deserved E/M Reimbursement with Modifier 25
E/M-25 must go beyond “usual” E/M service built into procedure code. When ... Read more
ICD-10:
Stay Cool With These "Burn" Coding Guidelines
Remember: These ‘x’ characters are merely placeholders. When reporting bur... Read more
Stay Cool With These "Burn" Coding Guidelines
Remember: These ‘x’ characters are merely placeholders. When reporting bur... Read more
Electronic Health Record:
Stay On Top Of The EHR System Using These 3 Tips
Surprisingly, EHRs adding to difficulties instead of reducing workload, says study. If... Read more
Stay On Top Of The EHR System Using These 3 Tips
Surprisingly, EHRs adding to difficulties instead of reducing workload, says study. If... Read more
Compliance:
OIG Recovered $3.35 Billion in 2015, Tightening Grip On Overpayments
POS errors also continue to be on the agency’s radar screen. Any amount over $3 ... Read more
OIG Recovered $3.35 Billion in 2015, Tightening Grip On Overpayments
POS errors also continue to be on the agency’s radar screen. Any amount over $3 ... Read more
Reader Question:
Code Sports Physicals Correctly
Question: We are starting to get appointment requests from patients reporting for physic... Read more
Code Sports Physicals Correctly
Question: We are starting to get appointment requests from patients reporting for physic... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Depth and Location Important To Report FBR
Question: Our internist performed a minor surgery on a patient to remove a wooden splint... Read more
Depth and Location Important To Report FBR
Question: Our internist performed a minor surgery on a patient to remove a wooden splint... Read more