- Oncology Coding: Use These Keys to Unlock Breast Cancer Coding (Part 2) - (Dec 23, 2024)
Take this advice, take your breast cancer coding to the next level. In the first article of this two-part series, Halee Garner, CPC, CPMA, CHONC, CCA, CPhT, AAPC Approved Instructor, quality assurance coordinator for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute [...]
- Anesthesia Coding: Take These Steps for Accurate Anesthesia Service Formulation (Part 1) - (Oct 24, 2024)
Billing for base units is just the beginning. Are you new to anesthesia coding? Or are you looking for a flawless system to create denial-proof anesthesia claims? Either way, following the steps outlined in “How to Succeed With Coding and [...]
- Anesthesia Basics: Mind P Modifiers or Leave Money on the Table - (Apr 10, 2024)
Tip: Document the one that applies, even if you won’t be reimbursed. One aspect of anesthesia coding that sets it apart from other specialties is the use of physical status modifiers — also known as P modifiers — to help [...]
- Reader Questions: Improve Your Understanding of Physical Status - (Nov 14, 2022)
Question: Do you know if there is somewhere that gives a good description of what the different levels of physical status are? I’m trying to find something that would provide some guidance on how to classify the levels. I know the [...]
- Modifiers: Looking for Extra Reimbursement P Modifier Might Help Boost Your Bottom Line - (Feb 08, 2022)
Caveat: Only report these mods for payers who’ll reimburse. Physical status modifiers — also known as P modifiers — are unique to anesthesia coding and an important part of each claim you submit. Anesthesia providers assign P modifiers to designate [...]
- Reader Questions: Document Qualifying Circumstances Even Without Reimbursement - (Dec 16, 2020)
Question: I am new to anesthesia billing and have learned that Medicare and Medicaid do not give any additional reimbursement for the physical status modifiers or for the qualifying circumstances add-on codes. Should we still be putting them on our [...]
- Anesthesia Update: Check These New Codes to Specify Patient Status - (Aug 04, 2020)
Hint: The code changes may affect patients’ physical status modifiers. CMS has released the 2021 diagnosis code changes, which go into effect Oct. 1, 2020. This year’s update includes 730 changes: 613 new additions, 52 revisions, 26 deletions, and 39 [...]
- Code Update: Look for New Diagnosis Codes That Can Help Specify Patient Status - (Jul 13, 2020)
ICD-10-CM 2021 has a few revisions you might find handy. CMS has released diagnosis code changes for the 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM, effective Oct. 1, 2020. You’ll find a total of 730 changes: 613 new additions, 52 revisions, 26 deletions, [...]
- Reader Question: Add Modifiers for Complete Claims, Even Without Reimbursement - (Feb 14, 2020)
Question: Do we really need to include modifiers such as QS or patient status indicators such as P2 on claims if payers consider them “information only” and they have no bearing on payment? Also, if we’re reporting MAC anesthesia, do [...]
- Anesthesia Basics: Follow This Guidance to Better Understand P Modifiers - (Dec 13, 2019)
Tip: Document the one that applies, even if you won’t be reimbursed. Physical status modifiers help explain a patient’s health condition to insurers and better document the work an anesthesia provider does. The Anesthesia Guidelines in CPT® include the six [...]