Category: Medical Coding

The Impact of Coding on Maternal Outcomes_ Part III

The Impact of Coding on Maternal Outcomes: Part III

Severe maternal morbidity often intersects with cesarean deliveries. Reducing the number of cesarean deliveries can lower the maternal mortality rate, and one of the drivers of cesarean rates is thought to be induction of labor (IOL). In 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) adopted definitions for labor, labor induction, and augmentation of […]
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The Impact of Coding on Maternal Outcomes_ Part II

The Impact of Coding on Maternal Outcomes: Part II

Coding blood transfusions on maternity patients saves lives. If you are a “frontline” coder buried in the minutiae of day-to-day coding, discussions about quality initiatives may not be in the forefront of your brain. We often hear of the importance of these programs in improving patient outcomes, and how critical “accurate and consistent” coding is. […]
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New ICD-10-CM/PCS Codes Warrant Attention

New ICD-10-CM/PCS Codes Warrant Attention

Here is an important checklist to help you prepare for new codes effective now. On Oct. 1, the new 2022 fiscal year (FY) ICD-10-CM/PCS codes became effective. The new CM code set includes 159 new codes, 20 revised codes, and 18 deleted codes. The new ICD-10-PCS code set include 191 new codes, 62 revised titles, […]
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2021 E/M Changes: Are You Coding Unique Tests Properly?

2021 E/M Changes: Are You Coding Unique Tests Properly?

Review the AMA’s updated definition of what constitutes a unique test. Many coders are asking the question, “What is a unique test?” As always, we must first turn to the guidelines to see how “test” is defined. In the original published guidelines, the American Medical Association (AMA) stated: “Tests are imaging, laboratory, psychometric, or physiologic […]
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2021 E_M Guidelines FAQ – September

2021 E/M Guidelines FAQ – September

AAPC’s senior VP of products answers more of your questions about coding for office and other outpatient services. Ever since the release of the new 2021 evaluation and management (E/M) guidelines for office and other outpatient services, AAPC has been conducting numerous trainings through webinars, virtual workshops, conference sessions, online courses, and multiple articles in […]
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Medical Coding News – August 2021

Medical Coding News – August 2021

  What are the latest code changes? Get the facts, fast. This month, there’s new billing guidance for a COVID-19 vaccine; there are three new HCPCS Level II codes for COVID-19 therapeutic injections; and Medicare payment allowances for the 2021-22 influenza vaccine codes have been released. FDA Approves COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine received the […]
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2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines Released

2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines Released

Released earlier than usual, the fiscal year (FY) 2022 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting became available online Monday, July 12, and include instructions for assigning novel code U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition (found under Section I.C.1.g.1). Familiarize yourself with the following new and revised guidance, effective October 1, to ensure proper diagnosis coding and […]
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FY 2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines

FY 2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines for the 2022 fiscal year (FY) on July 12th. The latest edition comprises 115 pages, which marks an 11-page reduction compared to the FY 2021 version. These updated guidelines will come into effect for discharges and visits from October […]
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Boost reimbursement through improved documentation

Boost reimbursement through improved documentation

Five tips to ensure better documentation and, along with it, better patient care and improved reimbursement. Providers and coders need a cooperative relationship, working toward a common goal of complete coding and positive reimbursement results, as supported by medical documentation. Here are five tips to ensure better documentation and, along with it, better patient care […]
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