Ask the Expert

Q: Research coordinators are tasked with finding suitable candidates for research studies. Because our coordinators work for a hospital, is the work they do in finding candidates for research an activity that is subject to HIPAA? What do we need to do to ensure HIPAA compliance?

Q: What is uncompensated care and how is it calculated on a hospital-by-hospital basis? 

Q: Suppose a patient comes in for psychological testing evaluation. The provider interprets the test results and patient data, prepares a report, and begins treatment planning. If the interactive feedback session is held several days later, how would this be reported using CPT codes?

Q: Do HIPAA privacy rules apply to foreign nationals receiving healthcare from a U.S.-based healthcare provider? Are there any provisions for sharing information with a patient’s provider overseas?

Q: What is the difference between the terms "health literacy" and "language literacy"? 

Our experts answer questions about billing for pre-admission testing, categorizing types of denials, and more.

Q: What clinical information can be used to support the reported diagnosis of severe malnutrition and how would this be coded in ICD-10-CM?

Q: What is the difference between "wholistic" and "holistic" care as these terms apply to case management?

Q: For an inpatient-only procedure, can the inpatient order be obtained the day after surgery, and if so, we are still allowed to bill as inpatient for the entire stay?

Q: Are there are metrics we can use to determine whether our clinical trials are financially successful?