What’s New!

by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA Your coding queue is threatening to overtake you and the cases seem to get more complex all the time. With high dollar cases on the line, how do you assure that your team codes cases correctly and that the coding is defensible in an audit? You need a […]

By Angela Lima BS, CCS, CDIP, CIC, COC, AAPC-Approved Instructor “One-third of US hospitals’ average denial rates are in ‘danger zone,’ survey finds” Did this catch your attention? This recent article in Becker’s reported results of a survey by consulting firm Harmony Healthcare indicating 33% of hospital executives said their average denial rates were more […]

by David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC Question: “11 Stab phlebectomies were performed over varicose veins of her abdomen,” Since 37765-37766 are for extremities, would this be unlisted? 37799? Answer: There is no code for treatment of varicose veins by stab phlebectomy anywhere but the lower extremities. We agree with recommendation to […]

By Victoria Jennings, RHIA, CCS, CPC-A Here is what you specifically need to understand about education: “When an atmosphere encourages learning, learning is inevitable.” (Elizabeth Foss) Well, that sounds very reasonable. But what makes an “atmosphere that encourages learning?” Thinking now of my providers, what will increase their willingness to learn? I have been educating […]

By Rose T. Dunn, MBA, RHIA, CPA, FACHE, FHFMA Following on the heels of the federal audit finding Humana overcharged Medicare nearly $200M, we have another large Medicare Advantage Organization (MAO) that did not have adequate or effective safeguards in place to detect claims with faulty diagnoses. Anthem now must pay $3.4 million back to […]

By Ann Barnaby, CPC, CRC, CASCC The word “networking” often conjures up images of a huge conference room full of people in suits, giving fake smiles and firm handshakes. But networking opportunities are much more organic, and often are all around us. Networking skills are possibly the most important skills that a coder can obtain, […]

By June Bronnert, MHI, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P You may be asking: ICD-11. Why now? My answer: Why not now? The pandemic has shown the power of integrated data capture and collaboration across terminologies and code sets allowing for sharing of information and innovation. ICD-11 leverages the strengths of different systems to create a modernized classification […]

by Barry Libman, MS, RHIA, CDIP, CCS The ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code changes for FY 2022 will go into effect October 1 and the CPT changes for 2022 will follow January 1. There will be new codes and guidelines to apply and implications to be understood and explored. Rather than a solitary activity, mastering the […]

By Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA Inquiring minds want to know: Does Fusion really require a bone graft? The question keeps coming up because while the explanation of the root operation Fusion says that a fixation device can be used, published Coding Clinic opinions have said that a bone graft is required. The short […]

by Angela Lima, BS, CCS, CDIP, COC, CIC, AAPC-Approved Instructor Coding is serious stuff. Getting it right means that your organization will survive, the lights will stay on. If you are one of those coders who recognizes their role in ensuring their organization will continue to be financially viable, then you know that getting it […]

by Rebecca Harmon, MPM, RHIA, CCA The option to work remotely seems like a dream come true for many of us. No rush hour traffic, some extra sleep, no dress code (sweatpants anyone?) and it saves a ton of money in gas. What’s not to love!? There’s a LOT to love about the option of […]

by David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC Question: What is the correct code to bill for the embolization of middle meningeal artery (MMA)? Is it CPT code 61624 or 61626 since the MMA is part of the external carotid artery (ECA)? For this procedure, selective catheter placements and angiograms were done on […]

by Richard D. Pinson, MD, FACP, CCS Q: Can patients with intracranial bleeding from such things as intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage develop acute blood loss anemia? Or, do you think it’s mostly hemodilution, especially if fluids are given including hypertonic saline? A: One really can’t lose enough blood inside the confined space […]

By Ann Barnaby, CPC, CRC, CASCC Telephone, email, text, even faxing? There are so many ways to communicate nowadays. But no matter the method you use, there is one thing that will never change: Communication is key to success in the job search process! Communication in the job search process and throughout your career will […]

by Clay Lee, Associate, Epstein Becker Green Medical providers are often asked, or feel obligated, to disclose confidential information about patients. This blog post discusses when disclosures of confidential medical information involve law enforcement, but the general principles discussed herein are instructive in any scenario. To protect patient confidentiality and avoid costly civil liability arising […]