CodeCast | Medical Billing and Coding Insights

This week Terry has some fun with coding by giving you the Top 10 holiday related ICD-10-CM codes for your last week of the year. These will show up as chief complaints of patients! Is there a Code for a Christmas tree falling on you? Yes, there is a code for that. Also, Terry updates everyone on the COVID-19 Relief Bill if it does or doesn’t pass, what to expect for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule impact. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

While it is true that during the PHE Medicare and other commercial insurance plans are covering E/M Telephone visits (99441-99443) on a temporary basis, practices should not take this as a license to over-utilize these codes. They should not forget about the ‘virtual check in” options either. Terry discusses what it takes to support a phone call based on medical necessity, and when a virtual check in would be a better option. Also, when your EHR makes a “coding error” who is to blame? The provider, the coder or the EHR company? Listen in to find out what the industry is saying about this. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

There have been a lot of questions flooding in about how to ICD10-CM code a COVID patient, or a suspected COVID patient, or even a post-COVID patient wanting to return to work. But how do you report those visits accurately? Terry goes over the clarifying codes and situations on today’s episode, along with an E/M 2021 clarification that has many baffled (as they are learning the new rules.) Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

On December 1, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that includes updates on policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, on or after January 1, 2021. Due to the flood of changes, Terry discusses the talking points for the changes, and some quick highlights. Until you can take an updated webinar, you have some insight into what to expect: huge physician fee schedule changes, Telehealth updates, and supervision changes for NPPs. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Medical coding and billing errors can cause a host of problems. Denied or partially paid claims are costly in dollars and cents. However, they can also cost you lost time, delayed payments, lower-quality patient care, angry patients, loss of reputation, and, in extreme cases, audits and fines — all of which can put your provider’s medical practice at risk. Terry discusses how to not let common coding and billing errors prevent you from meeting your accuracy goals. Your coding career depends on it! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

This week Terry gives you a top ten list of audit flags Telehealth Services can bring. What payers are looking for when audio-only visits are billed? Do you have the “lists” of approved services and providers for Telehealth? This episode will discuss the importance of being compliant for Telehealth under the PHE and what to expect once the PHE ends. Also, as a bonus, Terry discusses the new PPE code 99072 and if there is any reimbursement to be had. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Join Terry Fletcher as she keeps you abreast of current information in the field of medical billing and coding. This week’s CodeCast Podcast is an update on 2021 Medicare alerts and share of cost for patients, plus the status of ICD-11. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

On the latest episode of the CodeCast Podcast, Terry Fletcher goes deep into detail to prepare coders, clinicians, and staff for the 2021 E/M documentation changes. Topics discussed include how to level a code based on time, and would MDM (Medical Decision Making) have been a better option to capture reimbursement? Listen this week to find out! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Today Terry gets back to basics with her orthopedic specialty spotlight, this time focusing on fundamentals of fracture coding. Some practices miss when trying to decide on reporting fracture care services. Should we report the global fracture care codes? Or should we use line item itemization to reflect casting and materials? Also, Terry clarifies any confusion about the 24 modifier. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

We are in the 4th quarter of 2020. We never thought it would get here, did we? Well we made it! Listen this week for some tips to help you work smarter during the rest of 2020 as Terry discusses getting your 2021 CPT book now, “tabbing it out”, and how to stay up on all of the 2021 information that is now flooding in. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

This week’s specialty spotlight focuses on ER Coding. The patient’s medical record documentation for diagnosis and treatment in the Emergency Department (ED) must indicate the presenting symptoms, diagnoses and treatment plan and a written order by the provider. Terry gives you the rundown on what each level should have documented in support, and what presenting problems could be based on payer policy. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

(CMS) announced amended terms for payments issued under the Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) program as required by recent action by President Trump and Congress. Providers were required to make payments starting in August of this year, but repayment will be delayed until one year after payment was issued. There are automatic payment recoupment plans that will be discussed here this week, along with some coding and compliance questions that keep popping up on incident to, and staff workflow. Terry covers all of the breaking news in this episode. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

This week Terry continues her specialty spotlight coding with debridement coding and understanding how to choose those codes based on specific documentation language. Terry also covers a “hot off the presses” announcement from HHS on the status of the PHE that is set to end 10/26. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Terry’s latest Top Ten Tuesday continues her focus on specialty coding. This time the spotlight is on getting you started with cardiology procedures and services with CPT and ICD-10 coding: which can be challenging to code. Also, the new 2021 prolonged service code is out and Terry discusses the CPT versus Medicare definition. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

This week Terry Fletcher focuses on the Gastroenterology specialty and more importantly: how to code and report a “screening colonoscopy” to Medicare or a commercial plan. Terry also brings you a new CPT code for PPE, Code 99072, and how to document for payment. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: * Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 * Google Podcasts – https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ia47t6quqphhsanlzpajk37yiga * Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX * Stitcher – http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=156874 * TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ * YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/