Injections and infusions continue to confuse coders

June 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

Consider this scenario: A physician orders three hours of hydration as well as a one-hour therapeutic antibiotic infusion for a patient. A nurse documents the ­hydration start time as 10 a.m. and the antibiotic start time as 11 a.m. Neither provider documents a stop time. What should coders report?

ICD-10 anatomy refresher: Get to know the skull

June 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month’s column addresses the anatomy of the skull.

Note changes for skin substitutes, mental health codes

June 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

Facilities can't bill for skin substitutes unless they also bill for a skin substitute application procedure on the same date, according to the April update to the I/OCE. If facilities don't comply with this practice, they won't receive payment for the skin substitute. The April update includes a list of eight procedure codes (CPT codes 15271-15278) and 27 specific skin graft materials.

HHS proposes one-year delay for ICD-10 implementation

June 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

Providers and payers may have an additional year to transition to ICD-10-CM/PCS if the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalizes a proposed rule released April 9.

This Month's Coding Q&A

June 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

Our coding experts answer your questions about payment for items in OPPS Addendum B and skin substitutes, incomplete documentation for IV infusions, coding for amputation of finger and aftercare, facility codes for peritoneal dialysis