Ask the Expert

What do you think about “dotted line” relationships between the case management director and other departments and vice presidents?

How can revenue integrity professionals ensure drug units are properly represented in the charge description master?

Q: I am confused about the difference between the laterality modifiers -LT (left side) and -RT (right side) and modifier -50 (bilateral procedure). Can you explain?

How can case managers and social workers assist patients in lowering medication costs?

What are the distinctions between hard and soft coding?

What guidelines can hospitals follow to establish ambulatory case management staffing ratios?

Q: How can organizations develop a business case or plan for revenue integrity departments?

Q: What are the first steps we need to take when considering a coding audit? Can we conduct it ourselves or will an external group?

Q: If a patient comes into an outpatient facility for a surgical procedure and the physician evaluates the patient before performing the procedure, can you append modifier -25 to the E/M service?

Q. Is a hospital’s human resources (HR) department covered by HIPAA? I work at a hospital and suspect that someone in our HR department disclosed medical information about an injury I sustained at a previous job. Is this a HIPAA violation?