CMS recently released MLN Matters SE18001 to provide healthcare practitioners with instructions and coding guidance for specimen validity when performed and billed in combination with drug testing. The article was issued to remind laboratories and other providers performing urine drug testing that specimen validity testing (SVT) is not separately billable.
A coding audit may be conducted by internal staff or external entities, typically representing the insurers paying for the care. When planning to implement a coding auditing program, the type of reviews, focus areas, and review frequency must all be taken into consideration.
Ms. P arrives on a medical unit at a major medical center escorted by two armed police guards from the local jail. The social worker, Ann, asks about the reason for the guards and the length of time that they will be on the unit, but the officers tell her they can’t share this information.
Q: I'm in charge of a coding audit for our department for the first time and trying to determine how many cases to use as a sample. What factors should I consider when choosing the sample?
