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Practice Management Alert

CPT 2008 Breaking News:
Anticipate Easier Telephone Service Reporting Come January
Bonus: A new code for e-visits is also on the horizon If your physician is on the cutti... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Uncover Primary vs. Secondary Success Secrets With 3 FAQs
Tip: Don't assume your practice holds all the responsibility Question: If a patient (or... Read more
'Reference' Nursing Facility Changes
CPT 2008 will add reference times to several E/M code categories that did not previously i... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Strengthen Your Appeals With 4 Quick Checklists
Your appeals success rate depends on the details Even when you think you-ve done everyt... Read more
Reader Questions:
Eliminate G0377 Next Year
Question: Our office is beginning to give vaccines that Part D covers rather than Part B... Read more
Reader Questions:
Save J2001 for IVs
Question: Is there code we should be billing for administering subcutaneous lidocaine or... Read more
Choose Between 2 Plans to Get School Physical Reimbursement Rolling
Tip: Consider combining physician services to make the most of physician timeStop sacrific... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Tackle Flu Immunization Billing With a Comprehensive 4-Step Process
There are times you can bill an additional E/M service--we-ll tell you whenQuestion: Our o... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Verify WC Eligibility With This Sample Form
Capturing all the essential details can be quick and easy When you-re faced with bill... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Finally, You Can Look Up NPI Information
Question: Is the NPI database up yet? I can't figure out where to look for it.Wyoming Subs... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Invest in Tamper-Resistant Rx Pads
Question: At a recent conference I attended, someone mentioned a new rule about needing se... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch CCI Edits on Wound Repair Closure
Question: Can we report a lesion excision (116xx) with a layered closure?Florida Subscribe... Read more
Take Your WC Claims From Stressful to Simple With These 3 FAQ Answers
Knowing which state has jurisdiction over the claim is the key to success If the thou... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Billing Annual Exams Doesn't Have to Be a Hassle
You can report an E/M and preventive service code--but should you?Question: How can our pr... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Add 54 New Lymphoma Codes to Your Diagnosis Coding Arsenal in October
Plus, welcome several new family history codesEvery fall, you-re faced with a slew of new ... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Keep This Simple Chart Handy for Dependent-Child Billing Questions
Make sure you know when the birthday rule does--and doesn-t--apply If you bill for se... Read more
Hold Out Another Year for Secondary Diabetes Codes
Good news: When they do come out, they-ll have their own categorySecondary diabetes will r... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Appeal Same-Day Drug Admin Denials
Question: We are having problems getting office visit codes paid with therapeutic/diagnost... Read more
Breaking News:
Brace Yourself for a Possible 9.9 Percent Medicare Payment Cut
There's good news for anesthesiologists, but not for other providers If the proposed 20... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Analyze Your Payer Fee Schedules by Performing an Annual Assessment
Question: Our practice manager heard at a conference that we should be reviewing our ind... Read more
HCPCS 2008:
Update Your Codes Now to Avoid Costly Mistakes Later
Big change: Switch to Q codes for albuterol, levalbuterol It's that time of year: time ... Read more
Home In on CMS' 2008 Proposal Details
Tip: PQRI continues for next year, so get busy planning now Take note of several chan... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Tap Into New Database for All of Your NPI Needs
You-ll soon have access to real-time, up-to-date information As of Aug. 1, you-ll be ab... Read more
Reader Question:
You Have CMS' OK to Charge No-Shows
Question: I-ve heard that Medicare changed its policy on billing for missed appointments... Read more
Go With EHR to Improve Billing Accuracy, Efficiency
Easy 3-step approach takes the guesswork out of system selectionIf you-re not using electr... Read more
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Ask the Right EHR Questions
Arm yourself with this handy list when you talk to vendorsMaking sure you get concrete ans... Read more
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10 Pluses Justify the Hefty Cost of Implementing an EHR System
Overcome cost objections with these proven EHR winning pointsWith new technology emerging ... Read more
Make the Most of an EHR System by Choosing the Right Features
Using this list will ensure you don't miss out on an important componentYou wouldn't ... Read more
Beware -- Too Much EHR Cutting and Pasting Could Wound You
Will your doctor's E/M notes stand up to EHR audit scrutiny?Your electronic health records... Read more
Learn When You Can -- and Can't -- Bill Under Another Provider's ID
There's only one exception to the rule -- do you know what it is? One of your physic... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Handle Insurer Overpayments in 3 Steps
Stay compliant -- and legal -- with this expert advice on refund rules Question... Read more
Voice Your Thoughts on New ABN
But don't stop using the one you have just yet You can have another crack at commenting o... Read more
Quick Quiz:
Wondering if Your NPP Billing Is Up to Snuff? Test Yourself
Take this quiz to see if you should be hitting the incident-to billing books Each time a ... Read more
Modifier 59:
CMS Comes to Your Rescue With Examples
Knowing what's acceptable will save you headaches and lost revenue CMS published an MLN M... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Be Frugal With Modifiers or You May Face an OIG Audit
Myth: Always use 59 to unbundle same-session, different-reason procedures If you always a... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch for Searchable NPI Database
Question: There's so much information out there about using NPIs, but I haven't been able ... Read more
Reader Question:
Erase PHI Before You Click 'Send'
Question: I sometimes e-mail patient records to consultants or other coders for help on ho... Read more
Carrier News Spotlight:
Use Network Labs or Face $50 Fines? Count the Cost of UHC's New Policy
Pointer: Stave off complaints by notifying patients If you contract with United-Healthcar... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
You're 4 Steps Away From Easing Locum Tenens Headaches
Tip: Decipher between modifiers Q5 and Q6 -- or receive denials Question: One of the... Read more
Weed Through the PQRI Confusion With These Expert Tips
Key: Educate your staff and perform a test run soon Your time to prepare for the Physicia... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Overcome Contract Negotiation Challenges With This Checklist
10 tips can prevent carrier hassles Carrier contract negotiation is often a long, difficu... Read more
Determine PQRI Problem Spots Before the July Deadline
Tip: Use G8300 as your test code You should be modifying your office and billing systems,... Read more
Reader Question:
Foster Patient Relations by Filing Secondary Claims
Question: A patient's primary insurer is Medicare, and she also has secondary insurance. M... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick Sedation Code Based on Number of MDs
Question: The doctors in my office occasionally perform procedures in the office after put... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Fall Into the Level-3 E/M Coding Rut
Question: I think my physicians frequently perform office visits that warrant coding at le... Read more
Discover Whether You Can Capitalize on 1-Year NPI Extension
CMS admits defeat, promises progress on NPI sharingGood news: You-ll have an extra year to... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Don't Forego Discontinued-Procedure Pay Due to Modifier Confusion
Differentiate between modifiers 52 and 53 with these expert tipsQuestion: When my physicia... Read more
Ensure Contract Negotiation Success With These 3 Key Steps
Clarify fee schedules or risk lost reimbursementReading the fine print doesn't just apply ... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Benchmark Your Payment Lag Against Other Practices -- and Improve Your Cash Flow
But first, learn how to calculate your days in A/RIf the thought of collections and accoun... Read more
Reader Questions:
Waiving Copays Isn't Ever a Smart Practice
Question: We were reading the January 2007 issue of Medical Office Billing & Collectio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Zoom In on Supervision Requirements
Question: If an NP or PA were to perform a diagnostic test, as long as it was within his s... Read more
Reader Questions:
CMS and CPT Consult Criteria Differ
Question: I-ve seen information containing definitions that differ from CPT. I-ve read tha... Read more
Breaking News:
CMS Extends 1500 Form Deadline: Don't Miss These Key Details
Find out how a red arrow on the form can make or break your claimsDon't discard your old C... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Decipher Carrier-Specific Processes for When a New Provider Signs On
Bonus: Learn when toQuestion: One of our physicians is not yet credentialed with Medicare ... Read more
NCCI 13.1 Coding Update:
Incorporate Over 1,500 New Bundling Changes in April
Bad news: Modifier 59 can't help on many of the new editsHeads up: The National Correct Co... Read more
Don't Bill 2 Same-Day, Same-Patient Hospital Visits
There's no reason you would ever have to bill two -new patient- office visits by the same ... Read more
Professional Development:
Accomplish Your CEU Goals Using Publications You Already Receive
Bonus: This summary can put you 1 CEU closer to reaching your renewal requirementIf you-re... Read more
Make the Most of an MPM System by Choosing the Right Features
Using this list will ensure you don't miss an important software componentOnce your office... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Do These Top-10 Denials Look Familiar? Check Your List
If you-ve compiled a list of your top-10 denials, compare your top denial reasons with Med... Read more
Reader Questions:
Erase Thoughts of Replacing Provider Numbers
Question: Will the NPI numbers we-re required to start using in May simplify our paperwork... Read more
Reader Questions:
Examine Reason for Repeat Pap Before Billing
Question: How should I bill for a patient's repeat pap smear when there's an abnormality? ... Read more
Banish NPI Hassles With These Expert Answers to Your Top-4 Questions
Start sharing those NPIs now to avoid a crunch in MayYou have new National Provider Identi... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Don't Count on New Coumadin Codes for Your Claims
Revert to former billing options to get paidQuestion: My doctor has asked me to look for t... Read more
Prepare for UB-04 and Keep Payments Flowing
Start to test the new form now to ensure you're ready by MayIf you-re a biller who submits... Read more
Enjoy 4 Key UB-04 Benefits
Good news: You'll have more room for diagnosis codingWhile adjusting to change can be stre... Read more
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Simplify Your Place-of-Service Coding With This List
Fingertip guide to 5 POS codes eliminates confusionChoosing the correct place-of-service (... Read more
Recipe for Billing Success:
Urge Your Carrier to Expand 1500 Form to Recognize Multiple Diagnoses
Complex patients require more than a few diagnosis codes, and your carriers may finally be... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Count on Patient for WTM Exams
Question: Recently, we-ve been faced with several -Welcome to Medicare- appointments that ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Divorce Disputes for Service to Minor
Question: A physician in our urgent-care facility saw a minor child who got hurt in school... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Keep an Eye on Chronic Conditions
Question: The 1997 audit guidelines state that I can reach an extended history by updating... Read more
Boost Productivity, Speed Payment With Practice Management Software
Avoid spending a bundle for the wrong system with this expert adviceMedical practice manag... Read more
You Be the Billing Expert:
Kiss Your Payments Goodbye if You Ignore SNF Patient Status
Not knowing which services are covered for SNF patients will cost you time and moneyQuesti... Read more
Ask the Right Practice Management Software Questions
Making sure you get concrete answers to all of your questions is critical when you-re choo... Read more
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8 Perks Ease Your Practice Management Software Decision
Overcome cost objections with these proven MPM winning pointsThere's no denying that medic... Read more
February's Recipe for Billing Success
Follow 3 Tips to Ensure Your Radiology Revenue Doesn't EvaporateIt's a tough time to provi... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Billing All 99213s Isn't Playing It Safe
Question: I heard that if I bill mostly CPT 99213s and keep my evaluation and management b... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use E/M for Patient-Generated Second Opinion
Question: I know that CPT deleted the confirmatory consult codes for billing second opinio... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Conquer WC Denials With Separate Notes
Question: We have a patient who comes in for one diagnosis for his workers- comp coverage.... Read more
NEWS YOU CAN USE ~ Medically Unlikely Edits Improve Your Accuracy, Ease Claims Processing
Look for automatic limits on services you can bill in a 24-hour period. Beginning in Janu... Read more
YOU BE THE BILLING EXPERT ~ Pay Close Attention to Place of Service or Risk Denials
Don't confuse nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities Question: I-ve been getti... Read more
IMPORTANT
If an SNF resident is still covered under Part A, the services you provide are subject to ... Read more
CPT 2007 UPDATE ~ Get Up-to-Speed on Mohs Micrographic Surgery Code Revisions
Tip: Don't bill path exam with revised Mohs codes  Physicians, most commonly dermat... Read more
January's Recipe for Billing Success ~ Write Off Patient Copays and Watch Your Revenue Plummet
With insurance premiums on the rise, your office might be tempted to assist patients by of... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Breath Easier:
Congress Freezes CF Payment Cuts
Question: There's so much talk about the 2007 physician fee schedule and whether we-ll fac... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Capture Self-Pays With NEMBs
Question: I keep hearing the term NEMB, but I-m not sure what exactly it is. I know that i... Read more
READER QUESTION ~ Avoid Automatic Resends
Question: When we know that the carrier has made a mistake in denying a claim, can I just ... Read more
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