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JustCoding News: Outpatient

JustCoding News: Outpatient is a free companion e-newsletter to JustCoding.com, the Web site that provides thorough explanations and in-depth analysis of medical conditions, diseases, treatments, and procedures.

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Issue 46, December 9, 2015

• Outpatient dialysis brings coding challenges

  Nearly half a million patients receive dialysis services each year. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA...

• Accuracy is paramount for providers when reporting CMS’ new modifiers for 2016

  CMS is introducing multiple new modifiers that providers may need to report beginning January 1...

• CMS shifts 2-midnight rule responsibility to QIOs, provides guidance on coding issues

  In addition to updating procedures for 2-midnight rule reviews, the 2016 OPPS final rule includes...

• Healthcare News: CMS ICD-10-CM resource covers numerous specialties and conditions

  CMS recently released an ICD-10-CM resource for specialties and specific conditions and services...

• Q&A: Recording Glasgow Coma Scale scores

  Q: How many times should Glasgow Coma Scale information be captured? If you have the ambulance, ED...

• Prepare for JustCoding?s redesign by downloading quiz certificates, preregistering

  The team at JustCoding is proud to announce a revamped and redesigned website launching soon. The...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for donovanosis?

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for donovanosis?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for benign neoplasms

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for benign...

Issue 44, November 25, 2015

• Clearing up coder questions for OB procedure coding and ICD-10-CM concepts

  In the second part of her Q&A series, Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC...

• CMS adds new comprehensive APCs in 2016 OPPS final rule

  Jugna Shah, MPH, and Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA, review newpolicies and regulations from CMS in the...

• 2016 OPPS final rule introduces new modifiers and restructured APCs

  Jugna Shah, MPH, looks at the extensive APC restructuring CMS finalized in 2016, as well as when to...

• Healthcare News: CMS and MACs working to update, correct ICD-10 coverage determinations

  CMS and Medicare Administrative Contractors are aware of certain issues regarding National Coverage...

• Q&A: Determine ICD-10-CM seventh character for nonunion

  Q: A patient fractured all metatarsals last year and had open reduction and internal fixation. The...

• Get ready for JustCoding's website redesign!

  The team at JustCoding is proud to announce a revamped and redesigned website launching soon. The...

• Product of the week: Prepare for 2016 CPT Code Changes live webcast

  The 2016 update to the CPT® Manual includes hundreds of changes, including approximately 150...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for hepatoblastoma?

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for hepatoblastoma?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for intestinal infectious diseases

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for intestinal...

Issue 42, November 11, 2015

• Answering common questions for OB coding in ICD-10-CM

  Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, answers questions from coders about OB...

• What to look for when reviewing cardiovascular documentation in ICD-10-CM

  Extensive changes in ICD-10-CM terminology and codes for cardiovascular diseases often frustrate...

• NCCI logic could lead to no payment for claims, including comprehensive APCs

  Providers need to be careful when reporting multiple services with status indicator J1 on the same...

• Healthcare News: CMS releases 2016 OPPS final rule

  CMS introduced several new HCPCS codes and added comprehensive APCs (C-APC), including one for...

• Q&A: Billing for miscellaneous supplies

  Q: We are an independent outpatient end-stage renal disease clinic. When we administer a blood...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Extended Q&A in Special Reports and News: Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for Briquet's disorder?

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for Briquet’s disorder?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for diseases...

Issue 40, October 28, 2015

• Review terminology for ICD-10-CM ulcer coding

  Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, writes about...

• Refresh your knowledge of taxonomy codes

  Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews the role of taxonomy codes and how to...

• Healthcare News: CERT finds insufficient documentation in claims from referring providers

  Insufficient documentation is the leading cause of improper payments for claims involving referring...

• Q&A: Coding infusions in the ED prior to surgery

  Q: I have a question about coding infusion/injections in the ED prior to a decision for surgery. A...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  ICD-10-CM quiz in Coding Sample Policies and Forms: Use this 10-question quiz to determine how well...

• Product of the week: Decoding HCCs: Strategies for Risk Adjustment Success live webcast

  Risk adjustment is central to pay for performance, whereby high-quality cost effective care can be...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for diaper dermatitis?

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for diaper dermatitis?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for external causes for pedestrians injured in transport accidents

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for external...

Issue 38, October 14, 2015

• Manage ICD-10 implementation by focusing on productivity, accuracy, and use of technology

  ICD-10 is undoubtedly affecting coder productivity, but Bonnie S. Cassidy, FAHIMA, RHIA, FHIMSS...

• Report mammography and other breast care services with updated procedure and diagnosis codes

  In addition to updated procedure codes in 2015, ICD-10-CM added new codes for reporting mammography...

• Know the difference between modifiers -59 and -91 when reporting repeat lab tests

  Charlotte L. Kohler, RN, CPA, CVA, CRCE-I, CPC, ACS, CHBC, discusses how modifiers -59 and -91...

• Healthcare News: Automated reviews find potential Part B duplicate claims

  Recovery Auditors have identified numerous potential duplicate claims from Medicare Part B...

• Q&A: Hardcoding modifier -PO

  Q: Our business office wants us to start using modifier -PO (services, procedures, and/or surgeries...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Case studies in Coding Sample Policies and Forms: Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP...

• Product of the week: Unbundle the Pregnancy Package and Manage ICD-10 Changes live webcast

  Coding and billing for pregnancy brings unique challenges, including global pregnancy packages and...

• Trivia: What is the correct CPT code for tenotomy of multiple tendons?

  What is the correct CPT® code for tenotomy of multiple tendons in the shoulder through the same...

• Mini-poll: Which aspect of ICD-10 coding has been most difficult for your facility so far?

  Which aspect of ICD-10 coding has been most difficult for your facility so far? Choosing the...

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for diseases of the circulatory system

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for diseases...

Issue 36, September 30, 2015 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Case study in Coding Sample Policies and Forms: Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP...

• Understand the physician perspective on ICD-10 and how to ease the transition

  Ready or not, ICD-10 is here. Sam Antonios, MD, FACP, FHM, CCDS, writes about how to talk to...

• Learning new ways to perform old tricks for OB services in ICD-10-CM

  Coders can no longer rely on the muscle memory and cheat sheets they developed working with...

• E/M reporting remains a challenge in the ED

  Providers have to create their own ED E/M guidelines, which can present a variety of challenges...

• Healthcare News: CERT reviewer finds nasal endoscopy claims lacking documentation

    Most improper payments for diagnostic nasal endoscopies reviewed during a Comprehensive...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for Tourette?s syndrome?

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for Tourette’s syndrome?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for metabolic disorders

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 34, September 16, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  ICD-10-CM assessment in Special Reports and News: Use this 10 question quiz from...

• No pressure: Ulcer reporting to change in ICD-10-CM

  Combination codes in ICD-10-CM will allow coders to report pressure ulcer location and severity...

• Review changes to coding guidelines for reporting diagnoses before implementation

    The updated guidelines in ICD-10-CM will impact how coders report certain diagnoses...

• Industry stakeholders respond to physician concerns with ICD-10

  Sue Bowman, MJ, RHIA, CCS, FAHIMA, and Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC...

• Healthcare News: Auditor finds hydration claims submitted without medically necessary diagnosis codes

  A Recovery Auditor review of claims from September 25, 2012, to August 30, 2013, found providers...

• Q&A: Reporting modifiers with infusions in the ED

  Q: I have been told by our billers that infusion codes reported in the ED along with an E/M code...

• Product of the week: Strategies for Coding Complex Interventional Radiology Procedures live webcast

  Interventional radiology is a perpetually challenging area of coding. In this 90-minute webcast...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for a cracked tooth?

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for a cracked tooth?

• Free quiz: CPT codes for femur and knee joint surgery

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features CPT® codes for femur and...

Issue 31, August 19, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  ICD-10-CM case study in Special Reports and News: Use this case study from...

• Identify strategies for talking to physicians about common ICD-10 objections

  ICD-10 implementation is almost here, but coders are still facing resistance from physicians. W...

• ICD-10-CM offers the opportunity to better capture and reflect medical necessity

  The expanded code set available in ICD-10-CM will give providers the chance to better tell the...

• CMS proposes massive APC reconfiguration, updates 2-midnight rule

  The 2016 OPPS proposed rule introduces APC restructuring, new comprehensive APCs, and many other...

• Healthcare News: CMS proposes changes to lab reporting in 2016 OPPS proposed rule

  CMS is proposing a new status indicator to be assigned to laboratory tests so when the tests are...

• Q&A: Determining E/M levels in the ED

  Q: I have a question regarding facility coding for evaluation and management (E/M) levels, not...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for a pain in the neck?

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for a pain in the neck?

• Mini-poll: How confident are you that your organization will be ready for ICD-10?

  Mini-poll: How confident are you that your organization will be ready for ICD-10?  

• Free quiz: CPT codes for abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum repair

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features CPT® codes for abdomen...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 29, August 5, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Injections and infusions book excerpt in Special Reports and News: Coders frequently struggle with...

• Look for details in documentation when reporting ICD-10-CM GI conditions

  Coders may need to review the anatomy of the gastrointestinal system and disease processes for...

• Resolve current challenges to ease the future with ICD-10-CM

  Organizations have their hands full with ICD-10-CM implementation finally on the horizon...

• CMS adds complexity adjustments in July quarterly I/OCE update

  CMS has repeatedly tweaked its logic regarding comprehensive APCs since inception. Dave Fee, MBA...

• Healthcare News: CMS clarifies updated ICD-10 guidance in Q&A

  CMS has released a document to clarify questions providers raised about its recent guidance on...

• Q&A: Reporting intubation and CPR with no chest compressions

  Q: We had a patient come into our ED with a severe head injury. To protect his airway, we...

• Trivia: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for hepatic sclerosis?

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for hepatic sclerosis?

• Mini-poll: Which aspect of evaluation and management reporting causes the most problems at your organization?

  Mini-poll: Which aspect of evaluation and management reporting causes the most problems at your...

• Free quiz: CPT codes for cardiac valve procedures

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features CPT® codes for cardiac...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 27, July 22, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

    Coding ultrasound procedures in Coding Sample Policies and Forms. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC...

• Review ICD-10-CM GI codes to make transition easier to stomach

  The gastrointestinal system is subject to many diseases and conditions that ICD-10-CM allows coders...

• Correctly code ultrasound procedures in an office setting

  Physician office coders are likely familiar with coding for x-ray procedures, but may not have much...

• Overhauled 2015 CPT drug test codes bring changes for coders and providers

  The 2015 CPT® Manual included big changes to drug test reporting. Denise Williams, RN, CPC-H...

• Healthcare News: CERT finds lack of documentation led to 97% of improper payments for certain spinal procedures

  A Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) study found insufficient documentation to be the cause of...

• Q&A: Documentation for marijuana use and abuse

  Q: I am a coder in a hospital outpatient setting. Our physicians document drug use in social...

• Product of the week: Summer ICD-10 Lunch & Learn Webcast Series

    ICD-10 is coming in less than three months and we want to help you prepare your inpatient...

• Trivia: ICD-10-CM for bilateral vitreous degeneration

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for bilateral vitreous degeneration?

• Mini-poll: Which of the following one-day coding training sessions would you be most interested in attending?

  Which of the following one-day coding training sessions would you be most interested in attending?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for cerebrovascular diseases

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 25, July 8, 2015

• Continue to review cardiac conditions in ICD-10-CM

  Betty Hovey, CPC, COC, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD, and Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P...

• Providers continue to grapple with reporting modifier -25

  Despite no recent changes from CMS, many providers still struggle with when to report modifier...

• April I/OCE update continues to clarify comprehensive APC process

  Since CMS introduced comprehensive APCs in January, the agency has continued to tweak the logic...

• Healthcare News: 2016 OPPS proposed rule brings packaging, 2-midnight rule update

  CMS continues to move toward increased packaging with its policies in the 2016 OPPS proposed rule...

• Q&A: Determining if a flap closure is coded separately

  Q: When the surgeon documents excision of a complex pilonidal cyst with rhomboid flap closure, is...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: Summer ICD-10 Lunch & Learn Webcast Series

  ICD-10 is coming in less than three months and we want to help you prepare your inpatient coders...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for motion sickness?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll    

• Free quiz

  Free quiz    

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog  

Issue 24, June 24, 2015

• Review coding conventions for common cardiac conditions in ICD-10-CM

    Cardiac conditions are some of the most common diagnoses seen in hospitals. Betty Hovey...

• Dealing with documentation challenging for anemia in OB/GYN patients

  Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, explains how to identify anemia in...

• ICD-10 implementation requires organizationwide education and awareness

    Many organizations still lag in ICD-10 implementation, but it's not too late to prepare...

• Healthcare News: Many providers have yet to test in ICD-10, according to survey

    A survey conducted in May and June 2015 found providers have completed many steps toward...

• Q&A: Reporting laterality with bronchoscopy

  Q: Should modifiers for laterality be used for CPT® code 31624 (bronchoscopy, rigid or...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: Resolve Documentation, Coding Challenges for Major Orthopedic Procedures June 29 live webcast

  Orthopedic coding, for both CPT procedure and diagnosis codes, remains challenging due to the...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for West Nile fever with encephalitis?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll    

• Free quiz

  Free quiz   

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

• Like us on Facebook for the chance to win a Platinum upgrade!

  JustCoding's Facebook page is a place for coders to get the latest news on ICD-10 and other rules...

• Editor’s note: No issue of JustCoding News: Inpatient next week

  JustCoding News: Inpatient will be off next week for the July 4 holiday, but we'll be back with a...

Issue 22, June 10, 2015

• ICD-10-CM changes for OB/GYN go beyond pregnancy

    Coders won't just to know weeks of gestation for OB/GYN coding in ICD-10-CM. Annie Boynton...

• Reporting pneumonia in ICD-10-CM

  Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, writes aboutwhat additional details coders...

• April I/OCE update continues to clarify comprehensive APC process

  In addition to newly introduced codes and modifiers, Dave Fee, MBA, explains CMS' updates to the...

• Healthcare News: Auditors find high rate of missing documentation for radiation therapy planning claims

  A Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) study found that the improper payment rate for...

• Q&A: Coding unsuccessful IVC filter placement

  Q: A patient arrives at the interventional radiology department to have an inferior vena cava...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Product of the week: JustCoding?s Injections and Infusions Coding Handbook

  Drug administration is one of the most common services provided in the outpatient setting, and...

• What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for pneumonia due to E. coli?

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for pneumonia due to E. coli?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll

• Free quiz

  Free quiz

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog   

Issue 20, May 27, 2015

• Don’t forget the details for dementia coding in ICD-10-CM

  ICD-10-CM codes for reporting dementia diagnoses include new specificity. Caren J. Swartz, CPC...

• Fetal monitoring methods determine documentation and coding requirements

    Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, reviews the different methods of...

• Apply CMS’ new -X{EPSU} modifiers

  Since CMS introduced the four replacements for modifier -59 (distinct procedural service...

• Healthcare News: Contractors find improper payments for unlisted chemistry code

  A Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) contractor special study found improper payments on...

• Q&A: Reporting laboratory tests with 2015’s new CPT codes

  Q: We have a patient with chronic severe low back pain, etiology unknown, on MS Contin®, an...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Trivia

  What is the correct CPT® code for reporting a biopsy of a lacrimal sac?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll  

• Free quiz

  Free quiz    

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 18, May 13, 2015

• It’s time to think about ICD-10-CM coding for brain conditions

    Coding and guideline changes in ICD-10-CM for neurological conditions may require coders to...

• Coding tubal, ectopic, and other abnormal pregnancies

  Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, defines abnormal pregnancies and explains...

• Start resolving ICD-10-CM questions

  Coding Clinic won't be updating its ICD-9-CM guidance for ICD-10-CM, but that doesn't mean...

• Healthcare News: CMS accepting volunteers for final round of ICD-10 end-to-end testing

  Providers have one last chance to volunteer for ICD-10 end-to-end testing, with CMS extending the...

• Q&A: Defining use, abuse, and dependence in ICD-10-CM

  Q: How are use, abuse, and dependence defined for diagnoses in ICD-10-CM?

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: Certified Coder Boot Camp?ICD-10-CM Version

  The Certified Coder Boot Camp®—ICD-10-CM Version is a two-day boot camp that uses a...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for a fistula of the salivary gland?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll    

• Free quiz

  Free quiz  

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog  

Issue 16, April 29, 2015

• Review ICD-10-CM coding for common diagnoses in primary care settings

    Primary care providers see patients for a wide variety of conditions, meaning coders in...

• Coding interrupted pregnancies: miscarriages and spontaneous, incomplete, or missed abortions

  Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, reviewsCPT® coding for interrupted...

• CMS releases update to correct and clarify comprehensive APC logic

  Dave Fee, MBA, identifies updates to CMS' programming logic for comprehensive APCs and provides a...

• Healthcare News: Recovery Auditors find nuclear medicine claims lacking medical necessity

  A Recovery Auditor automated review of claims for cardiovascular nuclear medicine procedures...

• Q&A: Performing services with and without MRA

  Q: We are trying to verify whether we should bill for two units of the CPT® code when the...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: JustCoding?s Injections and Infusions Coding Handbook

  Drug administration is one of the most common services provided in the outpatient setting, and...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for Tietze's disease?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll

• Free quiz

    Free quiz

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

• Tell us about yourself and enter to win an ICD-10 webcast

  JustCoding wants to get to know a little bit about the readers of our ICD-10 Trainer...

Issue 14, April 15, 2015

• Review components for excisions, repair, and wound care

    Reporting procedures for the skin can require a variety of documented details, such as...

• Capture appropriate documentation for mental and behavioral health disorders

  Larry M. Faust, MD, FAAP, discusses changes to DSM-5 and how it could affect coding in...

• CPT Medicine section updates reflect new products and technologies to report

  Peggy Blue, MPH, CPC, CCS-P, CEMC, and­Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I...

• Healthcare News: CERT study finds insufficient documentation for transcatheter surgeries

  A Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) study of transcatheter aortic valve...

• Q&A: Coding for an infusion with no stop time

  Q: If a patient is given Reglan® intravenously at 12:20, 13:00, and 13:20, would this be...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: Reporting Tests with CPT’s Overhauled Laboratory Section live webcast April 27

  The 2015 CPT® Manual includes significant changes in the Laboratory section for...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for trigeminal neuralgia?  

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll

• Free quiz

  Free quiz

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

Issue 11, March 18, 2015

• Review the cardiovascular system to make ICD-10-CM coding less confusing

    Cardiovascular coding can be challenging even without the introduction of new codes and...

• Coding burns in ICD-10-CM

  Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, discusses how to code for burns and corrosions...

• ICD-10-CM brings changes to reporting mental disorders

  Jennifer E. Avery, CCS, CPC-H, CPC, CPC-I, and Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I...

• Healthcare News: CMS offers last chance to sign up for ICD-10 end-to-end testing

    Providers who want to volunteer to participate in CMS' final round of ICD-10 end-to-end...

• Q&A: Capture tobacco use details for ICD-10-CM

  Q: Our electronic health record system only provides for a "yes/no" choice under...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for constitutional gigantism?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

Issue 9, March 4, 2015

• G codes add confusion to 2015 CPT digestive system changes

    Physician coders won't be able to just report the CPT® code that best describes the...

• Finding clarity when coding fetal status

  Coders may be familiar with the term "fetal distress" in physician documentation, but...

• Musculoskeletal and nervous system sections get new procedure, combination codes

  The musculoskeletal and nervous system sections of the 2015 CPT Manual include dozens of new and...

• Healthcare News: Few errors found during first wave of ICD-10 end-to-end testing

  CMS identified no major problems and a minimal error rate due to invalid coding during its...

• Q&A: Why do we hit an edit when adding potassium to a metabolic panel?

  Q: I have a question regarding a National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edit. I reported...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Trivia winner

  Trivia winner

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll  

• Free quiz

  Free quiz

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

Issue 7, February 18, 2015

• 2015 CPT Cardiovascular section updated for new technology and procedures

  CPT® codes in 2015 for cardiovascular procedures include the ability to report several new...

• Use of modifier -59 replacement still confusing despite new guidance

  Debbie Mackaman, RHIA, CPCO, CCDS, discusses modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) use...

• CMS adds comprehensive APC logic in January quarterly I/OCE quarterly update

  CMS' January I/OCE update brought many changes, including new codes, status indicators, and...

• Healthcare News: Recovery Auditors find providers report excessive units for IV infusions

  Providers report excessive units for initial IV infusions for both chemotherapy and...

• Q&A: Which code should we report for changing a catheter?

  Q: Would it be appropriate to report CPT® code 75984 (change of percutaneous tube or drainage...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

    New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Product of the week: Codercise CPT® Operative Report in Tampa March 30-31

  Take your coding skills to the next level with the latest training solution from HCPro! Codercise...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for renal diabetes?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll

• Free quiz

  Free quiz

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

Issue 5, February 4, 2015

• Coders face common problems and new challenges for drug administration in 2015

    Drug administration coding and billing remains a challenge despite no code changes in six...

• Meet the requirements for the new CPT chronic care code

  The AMA added a new CPT® code for chronic care management. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P...

• CMS adds data collection for services in off-campus, provider-based departments

  In the 2015 OPPS final rule, CMS introduced a new modifier for services provided in an...

• Healthcare News: Providers report overwhelming ICD-10 acknowledgement testing success

  Eighty-four percent of providers experienced no major problems with early ICD-10 acknowledgement...

• Q&A: Reporting excision codes when no tumor found

  Q: Is it correct to append modifier -52 (reduced services) to a procedure code when the physician...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: Codercise CPT® Operative Report in Tampa March 30-31

  Take your coding skills to the next level with the latest training solution from HCPro! Codercise...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for complete edentulism, class I?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll  

• Free quiz

  Free quiz 

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

Issue 3, January 21, 2015

• Break down the elements of the blood

  Blood tests are a common diagnostic tool for providers trying to determine a patient's condition...

• Baptist Health System rethinks budget, staffing to prepare for ICD-10 implementation

  ICD-10 implementation requires organizational coordination from a variety of departments. Chloe...

• Healthcare News: OIG audit finds overpayment for clinic visits in 2012

  CMS made incorrect payments to hospitals for established patient clinic visits estimated at...

• Q&A: When should we use ICD-10-CM category E13 to report diabetes?

  Q: When would we use codes from ICD-10-CM category E13 (other specified diabetes mellitus)? If...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum! 

• Product of the week: Injections and Infusions January 29 live webcast

  Despite no code changes in several years, injection and infusion coding generates regular...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for spondylolsis of the cervical region?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll  

• Free quiz

  Free quiz  

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog 

Issue 2, January 21, 2015

• Coding for genital prolapse require good grasp of anatomical terms

  The switch to ICD-10-CM won't bring many changes in the codes for reporting genital prolapse, but...

Issue 1, January 7, 2015

• Get to know CMS’ four new subsets of modifier -59

    After years of consideration, CMS introduced extensive changes for modifier -59 (distinct...

• Touch up your nervous system anatomy and ICD-10-CM knowledge

  The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and other specialized...

• CMS finalizes Comprehensive APCs with complexity adjustments for 2015

  CMS expanded packaging and finalized Comprehensive APCs in the 2015 OPPS final rule. Jugna Shah...

• Healthcare News: CMS completes second round of ICD-10 acknowledgement testing

  CMS accepted 76% of all national ICD-10 test claims submitted during its November 2014 ICD-10...

• Q&A: Find the latest vaccine abbreviation information for CPT reporting

  Q: Where can I find the vaccine code abbreviation list for the 2015 CPT® Manual?

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Product of the week: Injections and Infusions Coding Toolkit

  Hospitals have long struggled under complicated guidelines for coding injection and infusion...

• Trivia

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for methadone dependence in remission?

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll  

• Free quiz

  Free quiz

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog

Issue 40, October 28, 2015

• Predicting ICD-10 losses and tracking key performance indicators

  Kelly Whittle, MS, and Monica Pappas, RHIA, provide methods for determining the impact ICD-10 is...