Correctly bill ancillary ­bedside procedures in ­addition to the room rate

March 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

As technology evolves, providers can perform more procedures at the patient's bedside than they ever could in the past. Previously, they could only perform these procedures in another department of the hospital, and they had to charge separately for them.

ICD-10 anatomy refresher: Respiratory system

March 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

The respiratory system, responsible for ­inspiration (carrying oxygen into the body) and expiration (the expulsion of carbon dioxide), is composed of two tracts: the upper respiratory tract and the lower ­respiratory tract.

CMS adds new modifier -PD, two edits, additional APCs

March 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

Modifier -PD (diagnostic or related nondiagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or wholly ­operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an ­inpatient within three days or one day) is now included in the I/OCE, ­according to January updates detailed in Transmittal 2370.

This Month's Coding Q&A

March 1, 2012
Briefings on APCs

Q Addendum B of the APC updates for 2012 indicates the new molecular pathology codes have status ­indicator E (noncovered service, not paid under OPPS). Our laboratory director said we should report these new codes in addition to the codes that are payable. Can you explain why?