Q: What CPT codes and modifiers would be used to report excisional debridement for removal of a 2x4-cm ulcer on a patient’s right buttocks with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC)?
The most impactful overhaul to the E/M coding and documentation guidelines in 25 years went live January 1. The updated guidelines eliminate medical history and physical examination as required elements for reporting E/M codes 99202-99215. E/M coding for outpatient visits is now based on documentation of medical decision-making (MDM) or time spent on the encounter.
Let’s face it: Our organizations are under tremendous scrutiny. As the healthcare dollar shrinks, all payers strive to minimize patient care expenses to maintain profit margins.
Coding for traumatic fractures is based on details about the broken bone and the event that caused the injury. Review ICD-10-CM codes and guidelines for reporting different types of traumatic fractures.
Strokes are complicated, which is why it is important for inpatient coders to be familiar with the brain’s anatomy and the clinical concepts of a stroke in order to report the most accurate ICD-10-CM codes.
Ischemic heart disease has a multifactorial etiology and can be prevented from developing in populations primordially and in individuals at high risk by primary prevention.
It’s common to see CDI job listings that require applicants to be registered nurses. Often an RN credential is not listed as being “preferred,” but required. There are risks, however, with only seeking candidates from this one background.
Regular monitoring and internal auditing are critical to ensure compliance throughout the revenue cycle and protect revenue integrity. Consider the different strategies that can be applied to documentation and chart audits, coding audits, and more.
The American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel at its February meeting approved technical corrections to the E/M coding guidelines for outpatient visits. The corrections were uploaded to the AMA website on March 9 and go into effect retroactively from January 1.
