Category: Medical Coding

New CPT Codes for Multi-Virus Tests Detect COVID-19 and Flu

New CPT Codes for Multi-Virus Tests Detect COVID-19 and Flu

The American Medical Association (AMA) today published an update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set that includes new code additions and editorial revisions for reporting medical services sparked by the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The update to the CPT code set was approved by the CPT Editorial Panel, the independent body convened […]
AMA Has New CPT Codes for Dual Flu-COVID-19 Tests

AMA Has New CPT Codes for Dual Flu-COVID-19 Tests

The American Medical Association updated its Current Procedural Terminology set to include updates to coding for tests that detect influenza and COVID-19. The two new codes, per the AMA’s CPT editorial panel, are: 87636: “Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) and influenza virus types A […]
Sequence ICD-10-CM Codes for Proper Payment

Key Concepts for Determining Primary Diagnosis Codes

Accurate diagnosis coding is crucial for medical billing, as it narrates the patient’s healthcare journey. Patients often present with multiple conditions, requiring coders to select and sequence the most specific codes. This sequencing, or code arrangement, is vital for correct billing. This discussion highlights five key terms from the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and […]
ICD-10 Coding Tips for Influenza

ICD-10 Coding Tips for Influenza

There has been much discussion about COVID-19 this year, but as autumn approaches, thoughts turn towards influenza season. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Policies (ACIP) recently published guidelines for flu vaccination. Their advice is that routine annual vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. The United States vaccines will include updates […]
The Critical Role of Rehab In Covid-19 Recovery

The Critical Role of Rehab In Covid-19 Recovery

  Further, the study underscored that inpatient rehab plays a unique and positive role in treating patients recovering from COVID-19. Discover key strategies hospitals can use to improve outcomes through rehabilitation for patients recovering from COVID-19. Importance of Rehab for Patients Recovering from COVID-19 At least 700,000 Americans recovering from COVID-19 will require inpatient rehabilitative […]
New Medical Coding Rules for E M Visits

New Medical Coding Rules for E M Visits

Q: Do the new 2021 coding rules for office visits apply to all payers or just Medicare and Medicaid? Also, are these rules just for office visits, or can we use them for hospital visits, nursing home services, and home visits? A: The changes to the documentation requirements are for codes 99202-99215 only and are […]
2020 Coding Guide

2020 Coding Guide: Get Paid What You’re Owed

  There’s nothing more frustrating than rendering a service and not being paid. Sometimes the problem comes down to a single code. Nuanced coding rules are difficult to understand, and physicians aren’t taught this information in medical school. Still, health care is a business. As business owners, physicians need to know how they’re paid, including […]
2020 Coding Guide_ Get Paid What You’re Owed

New COVID-19 Codes Coming

  Twice a year, in March and September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance (C&M) Committee meets, and the public is encouraged to participate. I personally find it extremely rewarding. I feel like I am contributing to the evolution of the ICD-10-CM code set. I had aspired to attend […]