Q: I'm a coding manager reorganizing work assignments for my entire department. What should I consider as I determine what types of records each coder should focus on?
HHS is planning to reform HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 in an effort to improve care coordination. In remarks to the Heritage Foundation July 26, HHS Secretary Alex Azar conveyed that HHS is starting a review of regulations that interfere with coordination among doctors, hospitals, and payers.
Some patients seem resistant to interventions aimed at helping them avoid preventable hospital visits. These so-called high utilizers typically have multiple chronic conditions, along with social or psychological conditions and/or substance use issues that can interfere with effective care. AbsoluteCARE, an ambulatory ICU, was created for these patients.
Q: Is texting an acceptable way to communicate with a patient? Do we need to ask the patient to sign a form with a statement to the effect that they prefer that we text information on test results, etc., rather than leave a voicemail asking them to call?
Back in January, I wrote an article regarding E/M codes and the need for changes to the 1995 and 1997 E/M documentation guidelines. In that article, I suggested making E/M codes for office visits solely time-based to simplify the reporting of these very subjective codes. Little did I know that this is what CMS would propose months later.
