Category: Medical Coding

ICD-10-PCS Codes for Treating COVID-19

ICD-10-PCS Codes for Treating COVID-19

The ICD-10-PCS codes can be found in the XW0 Table for the drug infusions. There were new ICD-10-PCS codes implemented on Aug. 1, involving substances associated with the treatment of COVID-19. As we know, these codes are not to be assigned unless the substances were used to treat coronavirus. Here is some information regarding these […]
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ICD-10 Coding Guideline Changes

ICD-10 Coding Guideline Changes

For 2021, there are 490 new, 47 revised and 58 deleted ICD-10-CM codes. We will cover the ICD-10-CM guidelines in this article and the ICD-10-CM code changes next month. There are several important changes to the guidelines, including those relating to COVID-19 coding. The updates for these were a little late this year due to […]
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E/M Changes Take Effect January 2021

  Good news for physicians tired of counting bullet points to assign an evaluation and management (E/M) level for an outpatient office visit: Per new AMA guidelines, it’s going to be a whole lot simpler. As of January 1, 2021, physicians will select an E/M code based on total time spent on the date of […]
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The Need for Facility Coding Guidelines

The Need for Facility Coding Guidelines

Facility-specific coding guidelines are key to code hospital visits and encounters consistently. Another role that facility-specific guidelines play is to capture all possible reimbursement that is due to an organization. Every Oct. 1, the MS-DRGs and ICD-10-CM/PCS are updated. In addition to the MS-DRGs, the New Technology Add-On Payments (NTAPs) are updated as well. It […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Rules Are Changing_ The Impending Transition to ICD-11

Rules Are Changing: The Impending Transition to ICD-11

The World Health Organization (WHO) updates ICD codes every 10 years to improve clinical use and acknowledge innovations in healthcare. After the tumultuous transition to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, simply mentioning the phrase “ICD-11” is liable to strike fear in the hearts of revenue cycle professionals and healthcare providers across […]
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