Practice Management Alert
CPT 2006:
Update Your Consultation Coding to Avoid Denials
AMS wants -second opinion- billed with E/M codesGet ready to change the way you code inpat... Read more
Update Your Consultation Coding to Avoid Denials
AMS wants -second opinion- billed with E/M codesGet ready to change the way you code inpat... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Reduce Your Data Submission Time With New Appeals Rules
Physicians must get up to speed before Jan. 1If a biller puts the wrong date on a superbil... Read more
Reduce Your Data Submission Time With New Appeals Rules
Physicians must get up to speed before Jan. 1If a biller puts the wrong date on a superbil... Read more
Electronic Health Records:
Implement EHR Gradually to Reduce Confusion
Practices may want to switch doctors to e-records individuallyMedical offices that are swi... Read more
Implement EHR Gradually to Reduce Confusion
Practices may want to switch doctors to e-records individuallyMedical offices that are swi... Read more
Put the Right Staff on Copay Collection Duties
Medicare is especially tough on offices that don't collectMedical offices that have the le... Read more
Medicare is especially tough on offices that don't collectMedical offices that have the le... Read more
Coding Corner:
Reduced Service Level? Use Modifier 52
But modifier 53 is best when the doctor stops a procedure for medical reasonsEvery time a ... Read more
Reduced Service Level? Use Modifier 52
But modifier 53 is best when the doctor stops a procedure for medical reasonsEvery time a ... Read more
December's Recipe for Success:
Know Your Carrier's Policy on Late Redeterminations
In 2006, you will have to follow new rules on time frames for requesting first- and second... Read more
Know Your Carrier's Policy on Late Redeterminations
In 2006, you will have to follow new rules on time frames for requesting first- and second... Read more
Clip and Save:
3 Steps That May Prevent an Appeal
Biller can fix many 'minor' errorsMedical offices may not need to file an appeal to correc... Read more
3 Steps That May Prevent an Appeal
Biller can fix many 'minor' errorsMedical offices may not need to file an appeal to correc... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
No-Show Charge Rules Vary By Carrier
Question: We are a pediatrics practice that is having problems with no-show appointments. ... Read more
No-Show Charge Rules Vary By Carrier
Question: We are a pediatrics practice that is having problems with no-show appointments. ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Patient Doesn't Sign Superbill? Don't Worry
Question: What happens if the patient does not sign the superbill after his encounter? Are... Read more
Patient Doesn't Sign Superbill? Don't Worry
Question: What happens if the patient does not sign the superbill after his encounter? Are... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
E-Mail Disclaimer Prevents Legal Tangles for Office
Question: We are now using e-mail to contact patients and carriers regularly. How can we p... Read more
E-Mail Disclaimer Prevents Legal Tangles for Office
Question: We are now using e-mail to contact patients and carriers regularly. How can we p... Read more
Check With Staff Before Making the EHR Transition
Also, expect some staff to be uncomfortable with e-records initiallySmooth your practice's... Read more
Also, expect some staff to be uncomfortable with e-records initiallySmooth your practice's... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Count the Minutes to Keep Your Critical Care Billing Glitch-Free
If service does not last 30 minutes, use E/M codeWhen billing for critical care services, ... Read more
Count the Minutes to Keep Your Critical Care Billing Glitch-Free
If service does not last 30 minutes, use E/M codeWhen billing for critical care services, ... Read more
Hiring Advice:
Interviewees Should Work Commom Billing Problems
You might also consider reassigning current staff to fill vacanciesIf you-re looking for a... Read more
Interviewees Should Work Commom Billing Problems
You might also consider reassigning current staff to fill vacanciesIf you-re looking for a... Read more
Tech Tips:
Failsafe P&P Can Protect Office From Leaks, Viruses
Designate a security officer to check up on Web scamsStaying on top of viruses and hoaxes ... Read more
Failsafe P&P Can Protect Office From Leaks, Viruses
Designate a security officer to check up on Web scamsStaying on top of viruses and hoaxes ... Read more
Coding Corner:
If E/M Precedes Critical Care, Bill for It
But carve out E/M time when adding up critical care minutesWhen a physician provides criti... Read more
If E/M Precedes Critical Care, Bill for It
But carve out E/M time when adding up critical care minutesWhen a physician provides criti... Read more
News You Can Use:
Deep Cuts Coming to Physicians' Offices in 2006
CMS follows through on feared pay reduction for servicesBillers, get ready for even tighte... Read more
Deep Cuts Coming to Physicians' Offices in 2006
CMS follows through on feared pay reduction for servicesBillers, get ready for even tighte... Read more
November's Recipe for Billing Success
Spell Out Co-Pay Rules With Written PolicyIf you work in a medical billing office that has... Read more
Spell Out Co-Pay Rules With Written PolicyIf you work in a medical billing office that has... Read more
Critical Care Quiz:
Did the Doctor Provide Critical Care? You Decide
Check previous pages of this issue for critical care tipsThis month's Medical Office Billi... Read more
Did the Doctor Provide Critical Care? You Decide
Check previous pages of this issue for critical care tipsThis month's Medical Office Billi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Head Off Co-Pay Problems With Proactive Phone Work
Question: We are in the midst of a copayment crisis. In the past month, we have had four p... Read more
Head Off Co-Pay Problems With Proactive Phone Work
Question: We are in the midst of a copayment crisis. In the past month, we have had four p... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Billers Still Smarting From MCS Denials
Question: There are rumors swirling around the billing office about some Medicare carriers... Read more
Billers Still Smarting From MCS Denials
Question: There are rumors swirling around the billing office about some Medicare carriers... Read more
Go With EHR to Improve Billing Accuracy, Efficiency
Put legible records at your fingertips and watch compliance glitches disappearIf you-re no... Read more
Put legible records at your fingertips and watch compliance glitches disappearIf you-re no... Read more
Coding Corner:
Vaccine Type Matters When Billing Flu Shots
4-Step plan shines light on billingIt's flu season, and medical offices may feel they-re r... Read more
Vaccine Type Matters When Billing Flu Shots
4-Step plan shines light on billingIt's flu season, and medical offices may feel they-re r... Read more
Streamline Appeals Process Before New Rules Take Effect
A full-time appeals staffer is idealStarting this January, having your ducks in a row will... Read more
A full-time appeals staffer is idealStarting this January, having your ducks in a row will... Read more
October's Recipe for Billing Success
Want a Low-Cost EHR? View VistAMedical offices that are put off by the high cost of electr... Read more
Want a Low-Cost EHR? View VistAMedical offices that are put off by the high cost of electr... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Not All Flu Vaccinations Are a 1-Shot Deal
A separate E/M is sometimes possible--if you know what to look forEncounters for flu-shot ... Read more
Not All Flu Vaccinations Are a 1-Shot Deal
A separate E/M is sometimes possible--if you know what to look forEncounters for flu-shot ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
It's True: Some Interviewees' Skills Are False Gold
Question: I need to interview candidates for a billing position. The position requires bil... Read more
It's True: Some Interviewees' Skills Are False Gold
Question: I need to interview candidates for a billing position. The position requires bil... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Part B Carrier System Switch May Lead to Billing Bungles
Question: Since January, our medical office has been having major problems when billing ou... Read more
Part B Carrier System Switch May Lead to Billing Bungles
Question: Since January, our medical office has been having major problems when billing ou... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Assume Staff Know NCCI In and Out
Question: The National Correct Coding Initiative version 11.3 edits just came out, and one... Read more
Don't Assume Staff Know NCCI In and Out
Question: The National Correct Coding Initiative version 11.3 edits just came out, and one... Read more
Thwart Embezzlement Efforts With These Tips
Be ready, because some employees can't resist dipping into the tillHaving a few simple pro... Read more
Be ready, because some employees can't resist dipping into the tillHaving a few simple pro... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Check Applicants' Exclusion Status -- or OIG May Exclude You
Experts: Exclusions database search must be part of background checksSlacking off on check... Read more
Check Applicants' Exclusion Status -- or OIG May Exclude You
Experts: Exclusions database search must be part of background checksSlacking off on check... Read more
Tech Tool:
Frequent Password Changes Provide Bulwark Against Cyber-Siege
E-mail from Russell Crowe? Something's probably not rightThink your employees know how to ... Read more
Frequent Password Changes Provide Bulwark Against Cyber-Siege
E-mail from Russell Crowe? Something's probably not rightThink your employees know how to ... Read more
Staffing Tips:
Employ These Strategies for Productive Employment Ads
Frustrated by lack of response? The trouble could be your choice of mediumHow many times h... Read more
Employ These Strategies for Productive Employment Ads
Frustrated by lack of response? The trouble could be your choice of mediumHow many times h... Read more
News You Can Use:
Providers Get a Break From Name/ID Edits
Pressure from thousands of providers has led the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servi... Read more
Providers Get a Break From Name/ID Edits
Pressure from thousands of providers has led the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servi... Read more
September's Recipe for Billing Success
Beware Submitting Claims for PIN-less New DoctorsIf you-ve got a new doctor at your practi... Read more
Beware Submitting Claims for PIN-less New DoctorsIf you-ve got a new doctor at your practi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep 'Pharm' Hands off Patient Info
Question: Our medical office has had problems with -phishing- scams on our Web site. Today... Read more
Keep 'Pharm' Hands off Patient Info
Question: Our medical office has had problems with -phishing- scams on our Web site. Today... Read more
Reader Questions:
Waiving Fees for Colleagues Can Put Doctors at Risk
Question: One of the doctors in my practice has asked me to waive the charges for services... Read more
Waiving Fees for Colleagues Can Put Doctors at Risk
Question: One of the doctors in my practice has asked me to waive the charges for services... Read more
Silence Is Not Always Golden When You're Negotiating MCO Agreements
Clauses in standard contracts may require physicians to honor patient discounts outside th... Read more
Clauses in standard contracts may require physicians to honor patient discounts outside th... Read more
5 Red Flags Tell You When a Biller Isn't Right for Your Office
Plus: Why you should try a 'working interview'Hiring a biller can be a frustrating process... Read more
Plus: Why you should try a 'working interview'Hiring a biller can be a frustrating process... Read more
Be on the Lookout for Legal Land Mines in MCO Agreements
Signing on the dotted line can expose you to personal liabilityMake sure you review indemn... Read more
Signing on the dotted line can expose you to personal liabilityMake sure you review indemn... Read more
Give Your Billers a Boost With These Motivating Strategies
Creating a special bulletin board could help your biller through the tough timesIf you sen... Read more
Creating a special bulletin board could help your biller through the tough timesIf you sen... Read more
August's Recipe for Billing Success
Web-Based Billing Puts Control of Payers at Your FingertipsIf you haven't yet moved to &nb... Read more
Web-Based Billing Puts Control of Payers at Your FingertipsIf you haven't yet moved to &nb... Read more
Perform In-House Audits to Avoid House Calls From Auditors
Tip: An outside billing company may find problems you've missedIf you're not updating or m... Read more
Tip: An outside billing company may find problems you've missedIf you're not updating or m... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look for Regular Reports From Outside Collectors
Question: My practice uses an outside collections agency, and I'm worried that they might ... Read more
Look for Regular Reports From Outside Collectors
Question: My practice uses an outside collections agency, and I'm worried that they might ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Seek Payment From Dead Patient's Estate
Question: I'm trying to collect on an account and have just learned that the patient has r... Read more
Seek Payment From Dead Patient's Estate
Question: I'm trying to collect on an account and have just learned that the patient has r... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Help Patients Understand ABN Contents
Question: We have a patient who signed an advance beneficiary notice, and as we suspected,... Read more
Help Patients Understand ABN Contents
Question: We have a patient who signed an advance beneficiary notice, and as we suspected,... Read more
Make Honesty Your Policy for Overpayment Disclosures
Come clean quickly to keep your internal audit results from sparking an outside inves... Read more
Come clean quickly to keep your internal audit results from sparking an outside inves... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
A Divorce Decree Is No Excuse for Non-Payment
A divorce decree is an often-cited reason for not paying a child's medical bill or other m... Read more
A Divorce Decree Is No Excuse for Non-Payment
A divorce decree is an often-cited reason for not paying a child's medical bill or other m... Read more
Back to Basics:
Think 25 Is the Easiest Modifier? Your Denials May Say Otherwise
The HHS Office of Inspector General placed modifier 25 on its hit list again this yea... Read more
Think 25 Is the Easiest Modifier? Your Denials May Say Otherwise
The HHS Office of Inspector General placed modifier 25 on its hit list again this yea... Read more
Keep Billing Staff on Same HIPAA Page With Set Sanctions
Applying sanctions consistently when employees disclose PHI is most effectiveSuppose a mem... Read more
Applying sanctions consistently when employees disclose PHI is most effectiveSuppose a mem... Read more
Use This Letter to Win Appeals on Your Modifier 25 Claim Denials
Tip: Don't forget to attach all supporting documentationThe expression "actions speak loud... Read more
Tip: Don't forget to attach all supporting documentationThe expression "actions speak loud... Read more
Advice From the Field:
With Collections, Take It 1 Month At a Time
If you settle for one set payment plan with a patient, you may be shortchanging your pract... Read more
With Collections, Take It 1 Month At a Time
If you settle for one set payment plan with a patient, you may be shortchanging your pract... Read more
Consider 3 Key Factors Before Saying 'Yes' to Another Carrier Contract
There's no sense in taking on an additional payer if the hassle will outweigh the payments... Read more
There's no sense in taking on an additional payer if the hassle will outweigh the payments... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Manage Timely Filling Limits With a Simple Chart
Question: Our billing office is getting unnecessary denials because we keep missing timely... Read more
Manage Timely Filling Limits With a Simple Chart
Question: Our billing office is getting unnecessary denials because we keep missing timely... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Look to 77 for Same-Day Service
Question: One of our surgeons performed a hemorrhoidectomy for a patient in 2001. Another ... Read more
Look to 77 for Same-Day Service
Question: One of our surgeons performed a hemorrhoidectomy for a patient in 2001. Another ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
2 Initial Consult Codes May Be Best Choice for Follow-Up
Question: Our surgeon performed an inpatient consult for a car-accident patient. He discha... Read more
2 Initial Consult Codes May Be Best Choice for Follow-Up
Question: Our surgeon performed an inpatient consult for a car-accident patient. He discha... Read more
Solid Education May Be Cure-All for Your Audit-Revealed Billing Problems
Idea: Visual aids such as bell-curve charts can help problem providers see the big picture... Read more
Idea: Visual aids such as bell-curve charts can help problem providers see the big picture... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
: Learn When States Govern Collections
Avoid legal hot water by knowing when you can collect on Medicaid and workers' comp patien... Read more
: Learn When States Govern Collections
Avoid legal hot water by knowing when you can collect on Medicaid and workers' comp patien... Read more
Collections Strategies:
Be Ready for These 2 Patient Excuses When You Make a Collection Call
You can control the conversation and get better payment results if you're prepared with th... Read more
Be Ready for These 2 Patient Excuses When You Make a Collection Call
You can control the conversation and get better payment results if you're prepared with th... Read more
Looking for Benchmarking Data? Try These 4 Resources
The right information can make for a much more productive internal auditYou can focus your... Read more
The right information can make for a much more productive internal auditYou can focus your... Read more
Start Your NPI Application Process Sooner, Not Later
The new National Provider Identifier will make your life easier, but you have to do the le... Read more
The new National Provider Identifier will make your life easier, but you have to do the le... Read more
Hire an Outside Auditor, Experts Agree
Outside help is a must to ensure you're not overlooking a billing, coding or compliance pr... Read more
Outside help is a must to ensure you're not overlooking a billing, coding or compliance pr... Read more
Ace Your 'Decision for Surgery' Claims With 4 Q&As
If you don't know the difference between modifiers -57 and -25, you could be causing unnec... Read more
If you don't know the difference between modifiers -57 and -25, you could be causing unnec... Read more
June's Recipe for Billing Success:
Prove Timely Filing With 3 Steps
Many insurance companies repeatedly insist they never received your claim, even if you sen... Read more
Prove Timely Filing With 3 Steps
Many insurance companies repeatedly insist they never received your claim, even if you sen... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use New Patient Status Code for Transfers to CAH
Question: I heard we would no longer be using patient status code 01 or 05 to bill for pat... Read more
Use New Patient Status Code for Transfers to CAH
Question: I heard we would no longer be using patient status code 01 or 05 to bill for pat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Out These General ICD-9 Changes
Question: What are some of the most prominent 2006 ICD-9 changes that will affect general ... Read more
Check Out These General ICD-9 Changes
Question: What are some of the most prominent 2006 ICD-9 changes that will affect general ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Patient Cooperation With Simple Yardsticks
Question: We like to arrange mutually agreeable payment plans with patients whenever possi... Read more
Assess Patient Cooperation With Simple Yardsticks
Question: We like to arrange mutually agreeable payment plans with patients whenever possi... Read more
Chart a Course for Ultimate Audit Success in 4 Easy Steps
Tip: Experience trumps titles when choosing an internal auditorThe key to a successful int... Read more
Tip: Experience trumps titles when choosing an internal auditorThe key to a successful int... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Same Service, Different Rates? You Decide on the Legality
Our expert gives you the green - and red - light on new billing ideasIf you're struggling ... Read more
Same Service, Different Rates? You Decide on the Legality
Our expert gives you the green - and red - light on new billing ideasIf you're struggling ... Read more
Billing Quiz:
Test Your Billing Skills With This Quiz
Use this tool for a quick assessment of which of your billing skills shine - and which one... Read more
Test Your Billing Skills With This Quiz
Use this tool for a quick assessment of which of your billing skills shine - and which one... Read more
Here's How to Recoup More for Urine Cultures
You can bill multiple units of 80788 for presumptive organism identificationDon't allow st... Read more
You can bill multiple units of 80788 for presumptive organism identificationDon't allow st... Read more
Advice From the Field:
Read These 6 Tips Before You Take a Patient to Court
You can preserve your public image and win the case if you plan carefullyWhen you make the... Read more
Read These 6 Tips Before You Take a Patient to Court
You can preserve your public image and win the case if you plan carefullyWhen you make the... Read more
A Resend Is Never the Answer
Although resending an erroneously denied claim may seem like the quick fix, resends usuall... Read more
Although resending an erroneously denied claim may seem like the quick fix, resends usuall... Read more
Match your responses from the quiz against these answers
Match your responses from the quiz against these answersAnswer #1: You don't have to ... Read more
Match your responses from the quiz against these answersAnswer #1: You don't have to ... Read more
May's Recipe for Billing Success:
4 Steps Give Your Depression Claims a Lift
Understanding mental-health coverage policies is essential if your physician treats and co... Read more
4 Steps Give Your Depression Claims a Lift
Understanding mental-health coverage policies is essential if your physician treats and co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Discounts and Overpayments Case-by-Case
Question: My supervisor suggested we could start a new policy to retroactively repeal adju... Read more
Assess Discounts and Overpayments Case-by-Case
Question: My supervisor suggested we could start a new policy to retroactively repeal adju... Read more
Reader Questions:
Limit Resubmissions for New Medicare Appeals Process
Question: I've heard a lot of talk about what the new Medicare appeals process will entail... Read more
Limit Resubmissions for New Medicare Appeals Process
Question: I've heard a lot of talk about what the new Medicare appeals process will entail... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifiers -TC and -26 Make the Difference for X-Ray Pay
Question: We commonly report radiology codes for services such as chest x-rays without a m... Read more
Modifiers -TC and -26 Make the Difference for X-Ray Pay
Question: We commonly report radiology codes for services such as chest x-rays without a m... Read more
Structure Your Billing Office for Success With This Expert Advice
Separating billing duties by carrier and by provider both offer rewardsEfficiency isn't th... Read more
Separating billing duties by carrier and by provider both offer rewardsEfficiency isn't th... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Is a Patient's Attorney Giving You the Runaround?
You CAN send a patient to collections who is awaiting an injury settlement Patients involv... Read more
Is a Patient's Attorney Giving You the Runaround?
You CAN send a patient to collections who is awaiting an injury settlement Patients involv... Read more
Put Your Collector Under the HIPAA Magnifying Glass
Use our expert checklist to ensure your third-party collector's complianceYou're already c... Read more
Use our expert checklist to ensure your third-party collector's complianceYou're already c... Read more
Suspicious Utilization Data Will Spark an OIG Audit
And Medicare isn't the only carrier that can get you in troubleDo you ever wonder what hap... Read more
And Medicare isn't the only carrier that can get you in troubleDo you ever wonder what hap... Read more
Tips From the Field:
Reign in Non-Contracted Payers With 2 Last-Resort Tricks
Hint: Refusing underpayments is a great way to get what you deserveWhen you play nice with... Read more
Reign in Non-Contracted Payers With 2 Last-Resort Tricks
Hint: Refusing underpayments is a great way to get what you deserveWhen you play nice with... Read more
Don't Waste Time Appealing This Medicare Underpayment
A little-known automated test list for lab reimbursement is to blameIf you've noticed that... Read more
A little-known automated test list for lab reimbursement is to blameIf you've noticed that... Read more
Crush Lockbox Concerns With This Reality Check
Our billing expert offers the key to peace of mind over lockbox useIf you've never used a ... Read more
Our billing expert offers the key to peace of mind over lockbox useIf you've never used a ... Read more
April's Recipe for Billing Success
5 Steps Ensure Internal Audit Compliance Investigators are sometimes suspicious of intern... Read more
5 Steps Ensure Internal Audit Compliance Investigators are sometimes suspicious of intern... Read more
Reader Questions:
Same-Day Office Visit and Admit Merits POS 21
Question: A patient presented to our office with stomach pain and shortness of breath. Our... Read more
Same-Day Office Visit and Admit Merits POS 21
Question: A patient presented to our office with stomach pain and shortness of breath. Our... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifiers Are Key to Preventing Diabetes Screening Denials
Question: I know that Medicare now covers most diabetes screening tests, but I'm confused ... Read more
Modifiers Are Key to Preventing Diabetes Screening Denials
Question: I know that Medicare now covers most diabetes screening tests, but I'm confused ... Read more
Reader Questions:
'XXX' and '000' Global Periods Are NOT the Same
Question: What's the difference between an "XXX" global period and a "000" global period?O... Read more
'XXX' and '000' Global Periods Are NOT the Same
Question: What's the difference between an "XXX" global period and a "000" global period?O... Read more
Watch Out for These 2005 OIG Billing Hot Spots
In addition to usual focus areas, you need to know about the newest targets hitting the en... Read more
In addition to usual focus areas, you need to know about the newest targets hitting the en... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Grappling With Refunds and Account Interest?
You must base your practices on established law, not personal preference There are many gr... Read more
Grappling With Refunds and Account Interest?
You must base your practices on established law, not personal preference There are many gr... Read more
Document Template:
Use This Letter to Legally Dismiss Patients Who Never Pay
Mentioning the reason for dismissal may not be bestTo protect your practice from further l... Read more
Use This Letter to Legally Dismiss Patients Who Never Pay
Mentioning the reason for dismissal may not be bestTo protect your practice from further l... Read more
A New Billing Policy Is 6 Steps Away
This easy policy-writing tutorial will guide you from start to finishThe key to billing co... Read more
This easy policy-writing tutorial will guide you from start to finishThe key to billing co... Read more
Stop Struggling to Report Same-Day Injections and E/Ms
Take a stab at preventing denials with modifier -25Although Medicare and most other payers... Read more
Take a stab at preventing denials with modifier -25Although Medicare and most other payers... Read more
Collections Tip:
Don't Make a Practice of Suing Patients
Your collection agency may recommend suing a patient to recover on a long outstanding acco... Read more
Don't Make a Practice of Suing Patients
Your collection agency may recommend suing a patient to recover on a long outstanding acco... Read more
Place-of-Service Codes Require More Careful Study
Fewer than 25 percent of practices nail the correct POS for facility-rendered servicesBill... Read more
Fewer than 25 percent of practices nail the correct POS for facility-rendered servicesBill... Read more
March's Recipe for Billing Success:
3 Tips Prevent 'Welcome to Medicare' Glitches
If Medicare patients lose track of their exams, your practice stands to lose payment for t... Read more
3 Tips Prevent 'Welcome to Medicare' Glitches
If Medicare patients lose track of their exams, your practice stands to lose payment for t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Record Medicare Patient's Exact Card Data - or Face Denials
Question: We've been receiving numerous Medicare claim denials recently, and there doesn't... Read more
Record Medicare Patient's Exact Card Data - or Face Denials
Question: We've been receiving numerous Medicare claim denials recently, and there doesn't... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When to Unbundle With NCCI Modifier Indicators
Question: In the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, what do the modifier ind... Read more
Know When to Unbundle With NCCI Modifier Indicators
Question: In the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, what do the modifier ind... Read more
Reader Questions:
Save Schedules and Calendars to Support Incident-to Claims
Question: What evidence or documentation do we need to prove the supervising physician was... Read more
Save Schedules and Calendars to Support Incident-to Claims
Question: What evidence or documentation do we need to prove the supervising physician was... Read more
Still Without a Compliance Plan? Steer Clear of Cookie-Cutter Options
Expert guidance from an attorney or consultant is your best bet for a fail-proof planEvery... Read more
Expert guidance from an attorney or consultant is your best bet for a fail-proof planEvery... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
For Easy Record Retention, Go Electronic
Getting an expert to review your billing record retention policy will ensure you keep file... Read more
For Easy Record Retention, Go Electronic
Getting an expert to review your billing record retention policy will ensure you keep file... Read more
Collecting From State-Run Assistance Programs Can Be a Breeze
4 tactics help you handle your state program's unique billing requirementsState-run medica... Read more
4 tactics help you handle your state program's unique billing requirementsState-run medica... Read more
Prevent Patient Slacking From Hurting Your Bottom Line
Take matters into your own hands when patients don't carry their weightYou don't need to w... Read more
Take matters into your own hands when patients don't carry their weightYou don't need to w... Read more
Track Never-Before-Seen Data by Creating Adjustment Codes
8 ways you can categorize adjustments to reveal billing-office secretsLumping all your adj... Read more
8 ways you can categorize adjustments to reveal billing-office secretsLumping all your adj... Read more
Correction
G0001 Deleted, Use 36415 InsteadIf you're still trying to report G0001, it's time to stop.... Read more
G0001 Deleted, Use 36415 InsteadIf you're still trying to report G0001, it's time to stop.... Read more
Avoid Denials:
Switch Now to Injection/Infusion G Codes
Medicare will use new HCPCS codes to track IV and chemotherapyFor the latest on reporting ... Read more
Switch Now to Injection/Infusion G Codes
Medicare will use new HCPCS codes to track IV and chemotherapyFor the latest on reporting ... Read more
February's Recipe for Billing Success
Check Your EOBs for 6 Must-Have ItemsA quick review of your explanation of benefits (EOBs)... Read more
Check Your EOBs for 6 Must-Have ItemsA quick review of your explanation of benefits (EOBs)... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Waiting on Medicare Credentials? You Can Bill Retroactively
Question: One of our physicians is not yet credentialed with Medicare, and we have a Medic... Read more
Waiting on Medicare Credentials? You Can Bill Retroactively
Question: One of our physicians is not yet credentialed with Medicare, and we have a Medic... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Keep a Biller's Eye Out for Incomplete Lab Tests
Question: Should we report laboratory tests on the date of service or wait until we receiv... Read more
Keep a Biller's Eye Out for Incomplete Lab Tests
Question: Should we report laboratory tests on the date of service or wait until we receiv... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Pay the Proper Physician by Tracking Incident-To Services
Question: I am a biller for a group practice with 12 physicians and four NPPs. How can we ... Read more
Pay the Proper Physician by Tracking Incident-To Services
Question: I am a biller for a group practice with 12 physicians and four NPPs. How can we ... Read more
Ramp Up Revenue in 2005 With an Annual Compliance Plan Review
Start the New Year with 7 steps to make billing compliance a breezeThere's no better job s... Read more
Start the New Year with 7 steps to make billing compliance a breezeThere's no better job s... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Denied for an E/M and Injection Code on the Same Day?
If the denials are unfounded, you should fight back If your practice administers injection... Read more
Denied for an E/M and Injection Code on the Same Day?
If the denials are unfounded, you should fight back If your practice administers injection... Read more
Collection Letter Templates:
The Secret to Collection Letter Success? Simple and Straightforward Wording
Whether you're making a first attempt or giving a last ultimatum, a firm collection letter... Read more
The Secret to Collection Letter Success? Simple and Straightforward Wording
Whether you're making a first attempt or giving a last ultimatum, a firm collection letter... Read more
Fee Schedule FYI:
Geographic Adjustments Can Help or Hurt
The basics: Medicare's 2005 conversion factor is 37.8975. Medicare and other payers use th... Read more
Geographic Adjustments Can Help or Hurt
The basics: Medicare's 2005 conversion factor is 37.8975. Medicare and other payers use th... Read more
Collections Tips
You've got no time to lose if your standard collection procedure doesn't already include t... Read more
You've got no time to lose if your standard collection procedure doesn't already include t... Read more
Run These 4 Billing Reports for Success in Fighting Denials
Our experts show you how to make the most of your monthly reportsReviewing your EOBs is a ... Read more
Our experts show you how to make the most of your monthly reportsReviewing your EOBs is a ... Read more
Divide and Conquer Carriers to Solve Your Denial Woes
3 expert tips help you eliminate the root causes of your rejectionsDenial management is a ... Read more
3 expert tips help you eliminate the root causes of your rejectionsDenial management is a ... Read more
Do Your Math Before Saying Yes to a Discount Healthcare Plan
Practices blinded by dollar signs on the front end may find themselves stretched thin down... Read more
Practices blinded by dollar signs on the front end may find themselves stretched thin down... Read more
January's Recipe for Billing Success:
Clueless About CLIA? Here Are 3 Tips Billers Need to Know
CLIA 101: The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) affects all laboratories a... Read more
Clueless About CLIA? Here Are 3 Tips Billers Need to Know
CLIA 101: The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) affects all laboratories a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask the Right Questions to Know Whether Medicare Is Primary
Question: Is there an easy way to tell if Medicare is the primary or secondary carrier for... Read more
Ask the Right Questions to Know Whether Medicare Is Primary
Question: Is there an easy way to tell if Medicare is the primary or secondary carrier for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid the Modifier -62/-80 Mix-up
Question: If two surgeons work together during a procedure, should I apply modifier -62 or... Read more
Avoid the Modifier -62/-80 Mix-up
Question: If two surgeons work together during a procedure, should I apply modifier -62 or... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Trip Over New Diabetes Code Descriptors
Question: What exactly are the 2005 changes to the diabetes code descriptors?Arizona Subsc... Read more
Don't Trip Over New Diabetes Code Descriptors
Question: What exactly are the 2005 changes to the diabetes code descriptors?Arizona Subsc... Read more