The new ICD-10-CM codes for FY 2018, effective October 1, represent significant changes in our documentation and coding practices. Let’s discuss some of these new codes and their potential impact upon your diagnostic decision-making and documentation.
In the 2018 OPPS proposed rule, CMS proposed a change to the current clinical laboratory date-of-service policies for molecular pathology tests and for Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Tests.
Resolving claims returned with National Correct Coding Initiative edits or Medically Unlikely Edits can be a time-consuming process. Organizations need processes to promote best practices and keep appeals on track, as well as coding and billing policies that address common front-end problems that lead to these edits.
You may find significant changes to E/M reporting in the near future, including a pivot away from two key elements — history and physical exam — that largely determine a given level of service for your most common patient encounters.