Video: Who Am I?| Webinar: ACR/CHEST ILD Guidelines in Practice

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Billing/Coding

ICD-10 from a Coder’s Perspective

  |  

For the past 30 years, coders have used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) to identify and report diseases, signs, and symptoms as well as to measure morbidity and mortality in the United States. In general, coders identify ICD-9 as the heartbeat of reimbursement for medical procedures because this is what drives medical necessity.

ICD-9 Freeze and ICD-10 Code Update

By Antanya Chung, CPC, CPC-I, CRHC, CCP  |  

Each year as a part of normal coding process, diagnostic codes are updated to reflect revised, new, and deleted codes through the CMS ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee. Diagnostic code changes and updates are based on information from vendors, physicians, or other health professionals that demonstrate a current code does not adequately describe a disease, sign, or symptom—or simply that the code is no longer appropriate for use.

The Dos and Don’ts of E/M Coding

By Melesia Tillman, CPC, CRHC, CHA  |  

Coding medical procedures and diagnoses can be a daunting task if you are not educated in this field. I am going to break down the rules for evaluation and management (E/M) coding, so take a deep breath and let’s jump in!

2011 CMS e-Prescribing Program: Will You Get Hit with Penalties?

  |  

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 provides for e-prescribing financial incentives in 2011 and financial penalties in 2012 and 2013. When you successfully e-prescribe and report on 25 patient encounters, you will be eligible to receive a 1% incentive of the total estimated allowed charges for professional services covered by Medicare Part B rendered in 2011. The big news, however, is the payment reductions for those who do not successfully meet e-prescribing reporting requirements that will be applied—1% in 2012 and 1.5% in 2013.