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.
CMS finalizes the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Did you see? CMS finalized the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Key takeaways include: A 4.5% reduction to the CY 2023 Medicare Part B conversion factor will take effect Jan. 1. CMS will continue to not recognize subspecialties for defining initial vs....
Manage Your Malnutrition Coding
Not long ago, a coder’s job just required them to translate a physician’s diagnosis into an ICD-10 code. The codes were then submitted for reimbursement and statistical purposes. Over the past few years coding has evolved into so much more. Now coders are required...
Be Prepared for Coding Changes
Publication: For the Record
The best defense against problems resulting from code changes is preparation. Follow these steps to ensure that your coding team members are educated about the latest guidelines and understand code changes! | Read More.
Tips & Expertise: 2023 E/M Changes
Q: Can time spent pre-charting the day before or charting notes a day after the date of the encounter be counted towards the total time for the E/M? A: Per time guidelines, only time spent on the date of the patient encounter can be counted towards the total time...
Tips & Expertise: CPT Coding for Breast Surgery
Q: May code 19380 (revision of reconstructed breast) be reported with code 11970 (replacement of tissue expander with permanent implant)?A: Yes, it would be appropriate to report code 19380 If extensive capsule and extensive soft tissue work is performed (eg, not...
Information Blocking – What Health Information Professionals Need to Know
Information Blocking – What Health Information Professionals Need to Know Date: October 5, 2022October 6th, 2022, is the next milestone of the 21st Century Cures Act – when health care providers must provide expedient access to all electronic health information (EHI)...
Reconstruct Your Breast Cancer Coding
October is breast cancer awareness month! Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can occur in any of the three main areas of the...
Tips & Expertise: 2023 IPPS Updates
Q: Can you summarize how MS-DRG grouper logic works?A: The first step in grouping an MS-DRG is the assign the case to a major diagnostic category (MDC). This is done by classifying the principal diagnosis into one of 25 MDCs based on body system and case similarity....
Tips & Expertise: Minimally Invasive Liver and Biliary CPT Coding
Q: What is the difference between biliary drainage using an ERCP approach and percutaneous biliary drainage?A: When a biliary stent is placed in the biliary tree for drainage using an ERCP approach, a scope is inserted into the mouth and through the esophagus,...
Behind the Mystery of the Biliary Tree
The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas play important roles in digestion through the release of bile and digestive enzymes. The ductwork that connects these organs to each other and ultimately to the alimentary canal of the gastrointestinal tract, is often a mysterious...