As you can see from the description of the codes, it is extremely important to accurately record the starting and stopping time of an infusion. The infusion time does not start until the infused medication begins to run through the IV. In the same manner, the stop time should be recorded when the infused medication is finished. Keep in mind, infusion time should not be estimated or started from the insertion of the IV port.
Accurate documentation of the start and stop time for infusions helps to support the medical necessity of these codes. Not understanding the guidelines can put your practice at risk for audits.
If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, contact the ACR’s coding and reimbursement specialist Melesia Tillman, CPC, CRHC, at (404) 633-3777, ext. 820, or at [email protected].
RhuemPAC Advancing Rheumatology Issues on Capitol Hill
RheumPAC, the ACR’s political action committee, ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.): RheumPAC attended a breakfast event for Sen. Murkowski, who is a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions co
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.): RheumPAC attended an event for Sen. Wyden to thank the senator for his support and discuss issues of importance to rheumatology health professionals regarding healthcare reform. Sen. Wyden is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and a co-sponsor of the “Medicare Fracture Prevention a
mmittee and a previous co-sponsor of the “Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act.” While at the event, RheumPAC representatives spoke with Sen. Murkowski about the importance of the pediatric loan repayment program and the provision to increase DXA reimbursement, and urged her to support keeping both provisions in the final Senate healthcare bill. nd Osteoporosis Testing Act.”
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.): Rep. Pallone is chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, which has jurisdiction over various healthcare issues. RheumPAC attended an event for Rep. Pallone and had the chance to thank him for his support of the rheumatology community.
RheumPAC is the voluntary, nonpartisan political action committee of the ACR. It is the only PAC that directly represents the interests of rheumatology professionals on Capitol Hill. RheumPAC works to support and elect pro-rheumatology candidates.
Visit www.rheumatology.org/rheumpac or contact Katie Jones at [email protected] for more information on RheumPAC’s work.
