The Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) risk-adjustment methodology is beginning to surface more frequently in both the acute and primary settings. Use these expert tips to help improve complete, compliant HCC capture.
When evaluating a code edit, it’s necessary to understand exactly when or where in the claim or billing process the edit arose. Look to coding guidance to help edit resolution efforts.
Although compliant querying is clearly spelled out in inpatient CDI, where patient encounters can last three to five days, it’s more complex in the fast-paced ambulatory world where single patient encounters are shorter and may be spread over a year’s time. Experts weigh in on the best approach to effective, compliant outpatient queries.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has urged CMS to renew prior authorization programs slated to expire. The GAO made its case for continuing the programs in a report released in April, arguing that the programs reduced spending by nearly $2 billion since 2012.
CMS recently clarified the use of modifier -KX (requirements specified in the medical policy have been met) in response to an Office of Inspector General report that identified conflicting guidance that resulted in $4.6 million in improper payments.
The brain is the most complex component of the central nervous system, consisting of approximately 100 billion neurons that communicate via an exponential number of synapses. Coding for the brain can seem almost as complex. Brush up on ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for the brain.
Correct, complete documentation is the foundation of a sound medical record and compliant reimbursement, but getting that foundation in place can be challenging. Clinicians are juggling critical tasks in a high-stress situation, and administrative burden of electronic documentation and the disconnect that results from spending more time looking at a screen than a patient are often cited as the primary factors in physician burnout. Enter the medical scribe.
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.
Medicare billing edits such as National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits and Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE) must be resolved at their root cause so that they do not continue to occur on claim
CMS released the fiscal year (FY) 2019 IPPS proposed rule on Tuesday, April 24, with an overhaul of the Meaningful Use program and significant reductions to reporting requirements for quality initiatives, along with updates to payment rates.
