Ask the Expert

Our experts answer questions about conflicts between coding guidelines and payer requirements, documentation requirements for psychiatric assessments, and more. 

Q: How do we report total observation time when during the encounter the patient also received bundled services that include observation?

Q: What are Medicare's requirements for applying condition code 44 to a claim?

Q: We have a patient who was admitted for an ablation procedure in order to treat his atrial fibrillation (AF). How should we report this in ICD-10-PCS?

Q: What is involved for a stepparent who lives with the legal guardian to access medical records?

Q: CMS' Primary Care First Model Options program begins in 2021, but what should our facility be considering now if we want to join?

Q: How do we bill for items provided to a patient participating in a clinical trial that are not listed on the billing intention?

Q: What is the appropriate CPT code to use for ultrasound (US) guidance during an embryo transfer procedure? 

Q: Does a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) have to be included in a lobby or just handed out to patients during admission? What are good practices generally with the NPP?

Q: We're seeing more patients who are affected by food insecurity. Can you point us toward resources for how to help these patients?