Category: Medical Coding

Final Physician Payment Rule Keeps EM Code Changes

Medicare Remote Patient Monitoring: CMS Finalizes New Code and General Supervision

CMS just released the 2020 final rule with changes to remote patient monitoring (RPM), officially titled “Chronic Care Remote Physiologic Monitoring,” reimbursed under the Medicare program, as part of the Physician Fee Schedule changes. The changes, proposed earlier this year, have been hotly-anticipated by digital health companies hoping to see more clarity and flexibility for RPM services. CMS […]
New Changes in ICD 10 Codes

New Changes in ICD 10 Codes in 2020

As per new update in medical coding, their will again some new ICD 10 codes in FY 2020. Also, their will some deletion and revision of ICD 10 codes. Their are around 273 new codes, 21 deleted codes, and 30 code title revisions for Year 2020. The new changes are as per the Proposed Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) […]
How To Code EM Levels with Confidence

How To Code E/M Levels with Confidence

How many times has a provider asked you, “What do I need to document to get a 99215?” All too often, medical coders feel they should help their providers understand what elements of documentation are needed to warrant the higher level evaluation and management (E/M) service. Do not do it! If It Isn’t Documented, It […]
The Coding Conundrum Vaping-Related Lung Injury

The Coding Conundrum: Vaping-Related Lung Injury

Confusion persists for the coding of vaping. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating vaping-related illnesses that have recently been reported. There are 450 confirmed or suspected cases in 33 states. The first death was reported on Aug. 23, 2019, in Illinois. The concern has escalated to the point that the […]
Hospitals to Assume Risk in Value-Based Care Models

Verma Presses Hospitals to Assume Risk in Value-Based Care Models

Hospitals assuming downside financial risk under value-based care models is the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving quality, CMS believes. CMS Administrator Seema Verma urged hospitals on Tuesday to accept new value-based care models and price transparency requirements or face greater administrative burden, less competition, and lower reimbursement rates under Medicare for All. “Our choices are […]
ICD-10-PCS Changes

ICD-10-PCS Changes: 20 Codes Deleted For FY 2020

CMS has provided ICD-10-PCS updates for fiscal year 2020 that include 2,056 deletions. Here are 20 of the deleted codes: 0370046 – Dilation of right internal mammary artery, bifurcation, with drug-eluting intraluminal device, open approach 0372046 – Dilation of innominate artery, bifurcation, with drug-eluting intraluminal device, open approach 0374056 – Dilation of left subclavian artery, bifurcation, with […]
Understanding Why 99201 Will be Deleted

Understanding Why 99201 Will be Deleted

An overview of the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: The proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) rule for 2020 was officially released on Aug. 14, 2019, encompassing various elements. Among these are proposals such as adjusting the PFS conversion factor to $36.09, introducing new HCPCS codes for bundled episode-of-care treatment for opioid use disorders, revising […]
CMS Proposes Payment Changes to Endoscopic Sinus Codes

CMS Proposes Payment Changes to Endoscopic Sinus Codes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed changes to the payment structure for sinus endoscopy services in the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule (page 53). Specifically, CMS intends to apply multiple endoscopy rules, similar to those used for colonoscopies, to sinus endoscopy reimbursements. This approach is detailed in MLN Matters […]
CMS Proposes Changes to Physician Fee Schedule, Quality Payment Program

CMS Proposes Changes to Physician Fee Schedule, Quality Payment Program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the Quality Payment Program as part of its effort to reduce provider burden. “Clinicians are drowning in paperwork and reporting requirements caused by cumbersome government rules and regulations,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma in a press […]