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JustCoding.com provides coders, coding supervisors, and health information management (HIM) directors with educational resources to test their coding knowledge, employ correct coding guidelines, and stay abreast of CMS transmittals. To learn about the different levels of access to this site, click here.
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Understand coding guidelines for prefabricated splints
William L. Malm, ND, RN, Susan Garrison, CHCA, PCS, FCS, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, CHC, CPAR, Rick Gawenda, PT, and Glenn Krauss, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPUR, discuss the proper way to handle splint coding.
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The query process is an effective way to improve clinical detail and coding accuracy. More specific and detailed documentation improves future continuity of care and can potentially lead to improved quality of care. Colleen Garry, RN, BS, offers advice on how your facility can develop compliant physician queries to enhance its clinical documentation improvement program.
Most health information management (HIM) directors think a disaster will never occur at their hospitals. And although channeling positive thoughts is generally laudable, it isn’t a realistic approach when disaster can strike at any moment. A disaster doesn’t necessarily need to take the form of a hurricane, tornado, or pandemic to severely incapacitate an HIM department. What happens when the power goes out? Or how about when the computer system crashes? Glennda Gore, RHIA, and Chris Apgar, CISSP, help prepare your facility for future obstacles.
Earlier this year, CMS advised during an Open Door Forum that the medically unlikely edit (MUE) value for units with CPT infusion codes 90766 or 90761, which providers bill to fiscal intermediaries, would increase on April 1, retroactive to the original date of January 1. However, it wasn’t until the end of April that providers begin to notice that CMS was accepting infusion and injection claims for values that it had previously rejected. Andrea Clark, RHIA, CCS, CPC-H, and Jugna Shah, MPH, explain recent MUE changes.
Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CPC, and Shelley C. Safian, MAOM/HSM, CCS-P, CPC-H, CHA, explain why outpatient coders should pay close attention to changes in diagnostic coding. While ICD-9 coding may not directly affect outpatient payment, it contributes to coding accuracy and to prevention of reimbursement delays.
Medicare providers remain satisfied with fee-for-service contractors
September 3, 2008
Most Medicare healthcare providers are satisfied with the services that Medicare fee-for-service contractors provide, according to an August 27 CMS press release that addresses the third-annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS). This high satisfaction rate suggests a relatively smooth transition to the new Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC), the press release stated.
Healthcare happenings: QIO contracts to focus on quality and safety
August 27, 2008
CMS has awarded contracts to the 53 contractors participating in Medicare’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program and outlined in its 9th Statement of Work (SOW). The SOW, which focuses on improving the quality and safety of healthcare services for Medicare beneficiaries, also promotes the following three national themes:
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Beneficiary Protection
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Patient Safety
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Prevention
Healthcare happenings: CMS seeks cosponsors for educational conference on e-prescribing incentive payment program
August 20, 2008
In an August 8 press release, CMS announced a special conference to educate physicians and other stakeholders about a newly-enacted federal program that offers incentive payments for physicians who use e-prescribing. CMS requests that interested public and private sector organizations join the agency as cosponsors of the conference that will be held October 6-7 in Boston.
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Check out what you're missing on JustCoding Platinum!
Continuing education credits: To receive CE credits, take the quiz after reading the following articles:
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September 17, 2008
CPT Coding for Urology: Recognize Complex Procedures and Follow Official Guidelines
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