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?

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.

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.

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.

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