Category: Blog

CMS Releases 2022 Proposed Inpatient Prospective Payment System Rules

CMS Releases 2022 Proposed Inpatient Prospective Payment System Rules

On April 27, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). The proposed rule includes CMS proposals for certain annual Medicare payment policies and rates as well as certain quality and value-based programs for FY 2022. Stakeholders must submit […]
Hiding Data_ Hospitals Fail to Comply with Price Transparency Requirements

Hiding Data: Hospitals Fail to Comply with Price Transparency Requirements

At first glance, it appeared that hospitals were complying with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) price transparency requirement, which became effective January 1, 2021. Upon a closer look; however, multiple deficiencies were found. CMS previously advised that it would begin auditing compliance with the rule this past January. Interestingly, it was the […]
CPT Coding For Excisional Wound Debridement With VAC

CPT Coding For Excisional Wound Debridement With VAC

Q: What CPT codes and modifiers would be used to report excisional debridement for removal of a 2×4-cm ulcer on a patient’s right buttocks with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC)? A: The debridement would be reported using CPT code 11042 (debridement, subcutaneous tissue [includes epidermis and dermis, if performed]; first 20 sq cm or less). This procedure […]
AHA Coding Clinic on ICD-10-CM_PCS for First Quarter of 2021 Released

AHA Coding Clinic on ICD-10-CM/PCS for First Quarter of 2021 Released

Current issue includes most frequently asked questions about coding COVID-19. The American Hospital Association (AHA) central office is the official United States clearinghouse on medical coding for the proper use of the ICD-10-CM/PCS systems and Level I HCPCS (CPT-4 codes) for hospital providers – and certain Level II HCPCS codes for hospitals, physicians, and other health professionals. The […]
Three Keys to Ease Provider Tension

Three Keys to Ease Provider Tension

Being a physician comes with certain baseline stressors. For most, the culprits are pretty familiar: patient care responsibilities, high debt loads that compel long working hours, system complexities, and mounting administrative chores. COVID-19 has added yet another layer to the burdens that already contribute to physician burnout. As an emergency physician, walking into work every […]