Understanding UCR Inpatient Fees used on DRG's

HCPCS Codes Were NOT all Created for the Same Purpose

Have you ever wondered why you were unable to find a particular product/code with our DMEPOS search? When looking for HCPCS Level II codes, there are several kinds of codes and not all HCPCS codes were created for the same purpose. If you are searching for a certain HCPCS product ...

Additional COVID-19 Testing Codes Announced

New coronavirus antigen testing codes announced. These are effective immediately.

Are NCCI Edits Just for Medicare?

The National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits were developed by CMS to help promote proper coding and control improper coding that leads to incorrect payments with part B claims. It is important to understand that NCCI edits do not include every possible code combination or every type of un-bundling combination. With that ...

CMS- Reminder COVID Assessment and Specimen Collection

On March 1, 2020, new codes and rules were released to bill for COVID-19 symptom and exposure assessments, as well as specimen collection. CMS has recently sent out reminders on billing for these services, the proper use of the CS modifier on claims, and how they are handling denials due ...

Should I Bill Dental or Medical?

While you likely find yourself focusing on fewer patients and more on emergency care, it’s a good time to understand how medical billing can allow patients with active infection in the oral cavity to seek the treatment they need.  Forms need to be filled out correctly, and you must carefully follow ...

Medical Necessity using Soap can prevent a future audit!

Medical Necessity using Soap can prevent a future audit! How Do I Correctly Document all my notes on every patient regardless of the insurance I am billing? Medically necessary care is the reasonable and essential diagnostic, preventive, and treatment services (including supplies, appliances, and devices) and follow-up care as determined by qualified ...

Coding with PCS When There is No Code

ICD-10-PCS covers ALMOST everything! But not quite! What if a body system does not contain a body part for toes or fingers? What about an elbow? When it does not cover what you are looking for, where do you turn?  To the guidelines, of course! There are ICD-10-PCS guidelines just as ...

Changes in Medicare Advantage and Part D

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized several changes in Medicare Advantage and Part D on Friday.  The Trump administration has finalized several changes in Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D in anticipation of bid submissions on June 1. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released  Friday that includes ...

Where is the CCI Edit with Modifier 25 on E/M?

If you are not seeing a CCI edit when reporting an E/M code with a certain procedure, it may be that there is no edit. CMS does not have a CCI edit for every CPT code, however, there are still general coding rules that must be followed.  The use of Modifier 25 is one example ...