The CMS Innovation Center released a request for information (RFI) in February for input from specialty practitioners on new, episode-based payment models, which could signal a move toward even more bundled payments for outpatient procedures.
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's column addresses the anatomy of the thigh.
The January 2014 quarterly I/OCE update included nearly 400 new HCPCS Level II codes, but the most significant changes for providers may center on relatively few codes, as a result of modifications CMS made in the 2014 OPPS final rule.
CMS has been making it clear over the years that packaging would become a larger and larger part of OPPS, and in calendar year (CY) 2014 CMS made good on this.
Coders are aware that ICD-10-CM will allow much more specificity than ICD-9-CM, and that is very evident in the section covering injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers (S60–S69).
When an NCCI edit occurs on a claim, providers can go directly to CMS’ website and download the latest edits to pinpoint why the edit occurred and what codes may be conflicting.
