** The coding information and guidance 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.
Hand Surgery Coding in CPT
Blog Post: Digging into HIM & Coding
Our hands may the the body part we most take for granted relative to their importance to our existence and our day-to-day activities. They are amazingly intricate and comprised of many different body systems and incur injuries and conditions that often demand the expertise from a number of surgical specialties including Plastic surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Vascular Surgery, Rheumatology, and of course Hand surgery. This assures that hand surgery is a constant challenge for coders. | Read More.
COVID-19: Expanded Use of Ambulance Origin/Destination Modifiers
Publication: CMS
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will cover a medically necessary emergency and non-emergency ground ambulance transportation from any point of origin to a destination that is equipped to treat the condition of the patient consistent with state and local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocols where the services will be furnished. On an interim basis, CMS is expanding the list of destinations that may include but are not limited to the following. | Read More.
COVID-19 Query Templates
Publication: CDC
Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) professionals have identified the need for the following query templates when reviewing COVID-19 health records. They are available for download on the AHIMA website using the URL in this post. | Read More.
ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
Publication: CDC
ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries April 1, 2020 Addenda | Read More.
ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines
Publication: CDC
The official guidelines for COVID-19 have been released. Effective from April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020. | Read More.
Billing for Professional Telehealth Services During the Public Health Emergency
Publication: CMS
Just released March 31, 2020 CMS is no longer requiring POS 02 for telehealth services during this Public Health Emergency, however report the place of service consistent with what would have been reported. Each claim should include reporting of the 95 modifier. Additionally, CMS has released new specimen collection codes for COVID-19 testing. | Read More.
Physicians and Other Clinicians: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19
Publication: CMS
Clinicians can now provide more services to beneficiaries via telehealth so that clinicians can take care of their patients while mitigating the risk of the spread of the virus. Under the public health emergency, all beneficiaries across the country can receive Medicare telehealth and other communications technology based services wherever they are located. Clinicians can provide these services to new or established patients. In addition, providers can waive Medicare copayments for these telehealth services for beneficiaries in Original Medicare. | Read More.
CPT reporting for COVID-19 Testing
Publication: AMA
Flow chart to assist with CPT coding for Covid-19 testing | Read More.
Facility E/M Levels
Digging Into HIM & Coding Blog For many, the ins and outs of facility evaluation and management (E/M) coding for emergency department (ED) services are shrouded in mystery. In an industry where everything seems to be regulated, there appears to be a lack of...
Defining an Organization’s Legal Health Record
Blog Post: Digging into HIM & Coding
As a health information professional with years of experience, I’ve seen the definition of the Legal Health Record (LHR) change with the emergence of the electronic health record (EHR). As a custodian of medical records, a designated position at most hospitals, maintaining and producing a complete, standardized LHR upon request is an essential part of the job. Some specific items that should be considered for inclusion (or exclusion) when defining an organization’s evolving LHR for business and litigation purposes are outlined here. | Read More.
