Blog & Publications
Find the latest news from the Haugen Consulting Group. Check back frequently for updates!
The coding information and guidance in these posts are valid at the time of publishing. Learners are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Tips & Expertise: CPT Coding for Shoulder Procedures Webinar Q&A
Q: Would you please explain the difference between a hemiarthroplasty and prosthetic replacement?A: A hemi would only be one component, whereas a total would be two components. Q: Please provide your reference for your measurements. The AMA stated measurements...
Coding Check Up: How Are Your PVD Coding Skills?
Blog Post: Digging into HIM & Coding
If you’ve been keeping up to date on your Coding Clinic subscription and coding guidelines, you know that coding advice for COVID-19 keeps changing. As coders, we know it’s imperative to keep our eyes peeled for new codes, updated guidance, and evolving disease processes, but COVID-19 has taken this to a new level with changing advice on a bimonthly basis. And just in case you are about to stop reading here thinking you are current on COVID, beware: the CDC isn’t done messing with codes related to COVID-19. | Read More.
Tips & Expertise: Oh Baby! Diagnostic OB Coding for ICD-10-PCS Webinar Q&A
Q: Would you use laminaria qualifier on the abortion table for the use of a synthetic osmotic dilator such as Dilapan-S?A: Dilapan-S has a similar action on cervical dilation as laminaria insertion. Haugen Consulting Group recommends using the qualifier “Laminaria”...
Don’t Sleep on Shoulder Procedures!
Is coding for shoulder procedures keeping you up at night? Don’t worry, it happens to many of us! Over the years, I have become pretty comfortable with these procedures, so I thought I would share some insights that may be helpful. I am sure you have heard the...
Interested in Information Blocking?
Blog Post: Digging into HIM & Coding
Information Blocking has been making headlines for nearly a year now. On April 5th, 2021, the Information Blocking provision of the 21st Century Cures Act went into effect, but you may still be asking yourself “what is information blocking?”. The 21st Century Cures Act, passed in December 2016, largely focused on National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for research and drug development, to streamline the drug approval process. But a portion of the legislation focuses on empowering patients to take ownership of their healthcare, in part by ensuring expedient access to the electronic health information (EHI). The term information blocking was coined; defined as any practice that is likely to impede access to, the exchange of, or use of EHI. Continue reading to learn more about this hot topic! | Read More.
Why You Should be Coding ICD-10-PCS Blood Transfusion Codes for OB Patients
Blog Post: Digging into HIM & Coding
The best, but not necessarily most efficient, way to determine if anyone is using coded data is to stop coding it. At times it seems no one is paying attention to what we code as long as they get what they need, but if you stop coding what they need, things start emerging that you didn’t anticipate. Case in point: the impact blood transfusion procedure coding has on quality measures. | Read More.
Tips & Expertise: CPT Coding for Fractures Webinar Q&A
Q: Most of the time my provider doesn’t tell me if a fracture is displaced, so based on what you said early in your presentation, the default is displaced. Is that correct? A: Yes, that’s absolutely correct. I would however try to encourage them to document this...
Fractures: Things that make you go Hmm…
Blog Post: Digging into HIM & Coding
Fracture care may seem straightforward, but many coders struggle and/or get confused when it comes to the different types of fractures and how to code for them. I think knowing the anatomy, what the fractures look like, what the different terms mean, and what to look for in the documentation help tremendously. Continue reading to learn more about this topic! | Read More.
Tips & Expertise: PCS Spinal Fusions Intermediate Webinar Q&A
Please Note: Screen 44 in the live presentation showed code 00NW0ZZ for release of the spinal cord twice. It should only be listed once. Code 01N10ZZ for release of the cervical spinal nerve should also be assigned. Q: If he said he used the mix of bone graft, bone...
Tips & Expertise: CPT Spinal Fusion: An organized approach to coding webinar FAQ’s
Q: Can we code 20930 for iFactor bone graft used with interbody device?A: Yes, it’s appropriate to report any separate grafting material used with an interbody device. Q: Can we code 63042 for revision decompression with no discectomy?A: No, a discectomy is...