Resource AAPC articles

CMS Releases ICD-10 MS-DRG V38.1. For ICD-10-CM, this version includes new Covid 19 codes that went into effect on October 1, 2020. For ICD-10-PCS, this version includes 21 new codes for introduction or infusion of therapeutics and includes monoclonal antibodies and vaccines for COVID-19 treatment which is effective January 1, 2021.

CMS Releases ICD-10 MS-DRG V38.1

Latest update includes assignments for new COVID-19-related diagnoses and procedures. The ICD-10 Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) V38.1

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

AAPC posted an article on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression, that is a great read to understanding what seasonal affective disorder is and how to accurately report this disorder. This article also explains risk factors, causes, and treatment for SAD.

Shed Light on Coding SAD

Coding seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

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[Lori]

This is a very informative article the AAPC posted regarding when to report a provider to the Office of Inspector General (OIG). They answer questions regarding the type of conduct being reported, what the law says, and who you should report the conduct to.

When Do I Report a Provider to the OIG?

When Do I Report a Provider to the OIG?

When to report a provider to the OIG.

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[Lori]

This is a good article to read that the APPC posted for coding professionals to help improve our productivity and efficiency. This article includes 10 great tips to “Work Smarter.” My two favorites are #1 Implement effective strategies and #8 Reverse engineer your week.

10 Tips for Refining Your Coding Productivity and Efficiency

10 Tips for Refining Your Coding Productivity and Efficiency

How to code with efficiency and increase your productivity.

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[Lori]

The AAPC posted an article on how nebulizers and inhalation drugs are on the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG’s) hit list. Great info on documentation for nebulizer necessity from prior to delivery and prior to billing.

Inhalation Drugs Make It On OIG's Hit List

Inhalation Drugs Make It On OIG's Hit List

Does your provider's nebulizer and inhalation drug documentation pass this OIG audit test? “Since 2010, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

As coding professionals, we know there are strict rules with Medicare for reporting acupuncture for chronic low back pain (cLBP), the AAPC has put out a very informative article regarding coding pain management which includes information on acupuncture for cLBP. This article also includes information on reporting Botox injections and trigger point injections (TPIs).

Take a Stab at Pain Management Coding​

Take a Stab at Pain Management Coding

How to code pain management needle procedures.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

Great info the AAPC posted on E/M modifiers 24, 25, and 57; global package modifiers 58, 78, and 79; and surgical modifiers 22, 50, 51, 52, 53, and 59. This article also gives examples on how to properly use each modifier.

Become a Modifier Virtuoso​

Become a Modifier Virtuoso

Understand modifiers for accurate coding and proper reimbursement.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The AAPC posted an article on how men reflect on working in a female-dominated field in medical coding. According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2020, medical coding is a rewarding field and ranking third on their list of best jobs without a college degree.

Men in Medical Coding​

Men in Medical Coding

A perspective of men in medical coding.

www.aapc.com

 

[WhitneyH_24046]

Great articles!

 

[Lori]

The APPC posted an informative article on how CMS is phasing in the Quality Payment Program and MACRA mandates are looming. The Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule is being finalized for proposed updates to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternate Payment Models (APMs) for year 2021.

Final Rule Updates MIPS for 2021 and Beyond​

Final Rule Updates MIPS for 2021 and Beyond

CMS continues to phase in the Quality Payment Program while MACRA mandates loom. The long-awaited Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule, now pending

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The APPC posted a great article on CMS’ final rule with expanding telehealth coverage and finalizing 2021 payments for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). Good info on the addition of CPT® and HCPCS Level II Codes for telehealth and category 3 codes being temporarily added for Medicare Telehealth during COVID-19 PHE (public health emergency).

Expect Give and Take in 2021 Physician Fee Schedule

In a final rule, CMS expands telehealth coverage but enforces budget neutrality mandate. After a slight delay, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

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[Lori]

The AAPC posted an article regarding an increase in physicians fee schedule and being granted more reprieves as well. Also includes information on the Coronavirus Stimulus and Relief package provisions for physicians.

Major Stimulus Bill Pumps Funds Into Healthcare​

Major Stimulus Bill Pumps Funds Into Healthcare

Consolidated Appropriations Bill, 2021, staves off physician Medicare Part B pay cut.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The AAPC posted an article on the OIG auditing Medicare providers on miscoding acute strokes as active when the acute strokes should have been reported as history of. Great coding tips in this article of when to code an acute stroke as current, coding residual effects (sequelae) of a stroke, and coding for history of a stroke.

Miscoded Acute Stroke Diagnoses Cost Millions​

Miscoded Acute Stroke Diagnoses Cost Millions

More than $14.4 million in inaccurate payments were made to MA organizations due to submission of incorrect acute stroke diagnosis codes, OIG finds.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

Imagine a Future in Medical Coding

Imagine a Future in Medical Coding

Visionaries predict the role of the medical coder will change. Here’s what you need to know to secure your place in the business of healthcare. Medical Medical coding is changing but for the better.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The APPC posted an informative article understanding the HIPAA Right of Access Rule, how to stay compliant and avoiding costly penalties. The article entails how The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the Right of Access Initiative under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, patients having rights to copies of their medical records, and entities being fined who do not comply with the HIPAA Right of Access Rule.

The Price of Noncompliance​

The Price of Noncompliance

Know the HIPAA Right of Access rules to stay compliant.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The AAPC posted a great article on answering frequently asked questions regarding vaccination coding and billing. Check out the link below regarding coding vaccines 90471-90474, 90460-90461, and using modifier 25 when a vaccine is administered on the same DOS as an E/M service.

Give Your Immunization Coding Skills a Boost​

Give Your Immunization Coding Skills a Boost

The answers to three frequently asked questions may surprise you. Here are three frequently asked questions (FAQs) about vaccination coding and billing. Three frequently asked questions (FAQs) about vaccination coding.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The AAPC posted an article on changes to Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) and Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses codes. Six new codes go into effect April 1, 2021, and 31 new Category II codes and 1 revision go into effect July 1, 2021.

CPT 2021 Update: New Lab, Category III Codes​

CPT 2021 Update: New Lab, Category III Codes

CPT® 2021 code updates for quarters 2 and 3 have been released by the American Medical Association (AMA). The new, revised, and deleted codes will be CPT® 2021 code updates for quarters 2 and 3 have been released.

www.aapc.com

 

[Lori]

The AAPC posted an article on More Provider Relief Fund Money for Home Health and includes a link for PRF (Provider Relief Fund) payments by state.

More Provider Relief Fund Money for Home Health​

More Provider Relief Fund Money for Home Health

The Department of Health and Human Services announced that it added $4.5 billion to the Provider Relief Fund’s phase 3 distribution

www.aapc.com

 

[WhitneyH_24046]

Thanks for sharing Lori!

 

[Lori]

The AAPC posted an informative article on coding hypertension (HTN) and common comorbid conditions. Article includes correct coding for hypertensive heart disease, hypertensive chronic kidney disease, hypertensive heart and CKD, secondary HTN, and and tobacco use or exposure.

Take the Guesswork Out of Hypertension Coding​

Take the Guesswork Out of Hypertension Coding

Paint an accurate picture of illness severity by knowing which clinical details influence code selection for hypertension and common comorbid conditions. Hypertension, or hypertensive heart disease, is the medical term for elevated blood pressure.

www.aapc.com