Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
In other news...
A provision buried in the Small Business Lending Act could slow your Medicare cash flow to a trickle next year. The legislation, which was enacted Sept. 27, mainly addresses credit issues for small businesses. But one provision requires CMS to use "predictive modeling" software to verify suspicious claims before paying them. The model is based on the ones credit cards use, notes the Miami Herald. Suspicious claims would be flagged for investigation before payment. "Our health care system is rife with fraud," noted Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.), who authored the bill. "We need to use up-to-date technologies to stop improper payments. Putting predictive modeling in place will save taxpayers money and make Medicare a better program," LeMieux said in a release. CMS already has the authority to use such software and has been pilot-testing it, a CMS representative told the Herald. "We have every intention and interest in going forward" with predictive modeling, Peter Budetti, Medicare's deputy administrator for program integrity, said to the newspaper
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- Self-Audits:
Your Audits May Be Making Your Coding Worse, Not Better
Does your auditor know the score? Find out before it's too late.Myth: Any coder can [...] - ICD-9 Coding Quiz:
Ensure That Your 2011 Diagnosis Coding Skills Are Up to Par
5 questions reveal whether you need an ICD-9 brush-up.October 1 has come and gone, and [...] - Part B Revenue Booster:
69990: Bill Operating Scope Once Per Session - Not Per Level
Medicare is finicky about reimbursing operating scope, so be carefulJust because your surgeon documents using [...] - Coding Quiz Answers:
Find Out Whether Your 2011 ICD-9 Coding Skills Pass Muster
After you calculate your score, consider studying any diagnosis coding areas where you struggled. Do [...] - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Bust 4 Myths to Safeguard Yourself Against Carpal Tunnel Denials
You won't find specific guidelines for moving to the next treatment level.When a patient's carpal [...] - Clip 'n' Save:
Handle Your Hand, Wrist Diagnoses With Care by Pinpointing Anatomic Site
Here's how to differentiate the tiquetrum from the trapezium.Doctors dealing with hand procedures don't only [...] - Part B Coding Coach:
Cut Your Ovarian Cyst CPT Confusion Down to Size
Bonus: Here's the documentation you need for cyst removals.Coding for the removal/excision, aspiration or drainage [...] - Physician Notes:
Just Over 1 Month Left Until Medicare Payments Drop By 23 Percent
Plus: New Anti-Fraud Law Could Delay Your Medicare PaymentsLast June, Congress voted to not only [...] - In other news...
A provision buried in the Small Business Lending Act could slow your Medicare cash flow [...]
