CodeCast | Medical Billing and Coding Insights

Government and private insurers’ audits have revealed too many cases of fraud and/or abuse in medical billing and reporting. You must avoid improper billing practices, and coding mistakes to steer clear of trouble and maintain a flourishing practice. Terry discusses the top ten medical coding and billing mistakes and how to avoid them. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/  

The 2022 Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines, including the fiscal year 2022 ICD-10-CM codes, were released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Terry gives you a look into these new, highly anticipated rules which are effective October 1st – which also include post-COVID-19 condition directions. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/  

Since most people initially dial in to make an appointment, the first impression of your medical practice isn’t through the front door: it’s your voice on the phone. If you come across on the phone as hurried or annoyed, that’s how people might think the practice is. In this episode, Terry discusses phone etiquette tactics to help your practice come across as helpful, caring, friendly, and efficient to improve medical practice patient satisfaction. It’s time to take inventory as patients are returning to in-person visits. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/  

As physicians are taking summer vacations and time is freeing up for billing departments, it’s as important as ever to remain sharp. For example, do you know how much outstanding accounts receivable you have in your 0-30 day, 30-60 day, 60-90 day, 90-120 day and 120-plus day categories? Knowing the answer to this question will allow you to spot problems: quickly! Working your A/R should be a daily function and if let to age-out, your business’ cash flow could lessen to the detriment of your practice viability. Terry discusses how to attack your A/R and what you should be looking for daily to make sure your cash flow is on the right track. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ 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 over the top ten ICD-10-CM errors and how to make sure you are careful not to make them. Terry also looks past code book guidelines to focus on updates – to realize that ICD-10-CM codes are “money codes”. You cannot get paid without accurate coding. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/  

Telehealth has served as a lifeline for many during the pandemic, ramping up from a minority share of office visits to a majority, at least for a while. Still, Telehealth cannot replace hands-on care for some conditions. For those not equipped with speedy broadband internet service or smart devices, it can be difficult or impossible to use. As things head toward a new normal, lawmakers and insurers (including Medicare) are debating how to proceed. The biggest question being whether to continue reimbursing providers at the same payment rate, as for in-person coverage once the COVID PHE ends. In this episode, Terry discusses what patients have been asking for when physicians query them on what they would like to see the future of telehealth look like as it relates to their needs and how to get the most from a telehealth visit. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ 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 CodeCast, Terry Fletcher references some trusted legal blogs and resources for SMRC Audits and the PHE State level June expirations. if you are not on top of these topics, each could affect your practice and provider liability. Also, some coding questions and answers pertain to the cardiology interventional specialty, and making sure you know your payer before you code a report. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Terry Fletcher returns with reasons to implement and update your IT to have true Interoperability for patient-centric care: Cloud access, IT upgrades, ease of Prior Authorizations, and new CURES Act patient access will all be part of being prepared. Terry also discusses the COVID pandemic and the homeless population. Where is the data? SDoH must be implemented. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Are you ready to continue offering Telehealth once the PHE ends? Have you assessed your policies and procedures to make sure you are using “Best Practices” standards? The PHE will end and telehealth will be expanded: that is not a question. What is your office prepared to offer once some of the regulations roll back and some are allowed to be permanent? Do you have a HIPAA-protected platform once smartphone devices are no longer allowed? These questions and more are answered in this episode of the CodeCast podcast. Tune in for your road to Telehealth Best Practices. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Terry Fletcher returns with her Top 10 Tuesday coding, billing and reimbursement questions for the month. There is a lot to cover from EM Errata clarifications, HIPAA violations on patient email, and orthopedic dislocation coding. Tune in for a mixed bag of answers to the top coding questions for the month of May. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

States are reopening sooner than the federal PHE is ending. If your healthcare organization has taken advantage of Federal 1135 blanket waivers during the National Public Health Emergency (PHE), be sure to review those waivers as you prepare for a survey (accreditation) to check if any were inconsistent with requirements under your state emergency or pandemic plan. The 1135 blanket waivers apply to requirements for Federal programs. However, some of the waivers could be superseded by requirements set by state or local authorities (having jurisdiction) – if that is stated in a particular waiver and is included in your state’s emergency or pandemic plan. Terry discusses the above topics plus outsourcing of your RCM. Is it a good time to do it? And if so how? 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

OIG is to Audit Medicare Payments for COVID-19 Discharges to determine, and investigate, whether hospitals billed for the 20% add-on Medicare payment for COVID-19 discharges correctly. OIG’s work plan now states that a positive lab test has to be found within the documentation for all patients admitted and discharged after September 1st, 2020 to qualify for the 20% bump in payment. Terry discusses the details of this audit, plus the specimen and handling code 99000: and is it billable? 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Many commercial payers voluntarily waived all deductibles, co-pays, and other costs for insured patients who fell sick with COVID-19. Many of these patients were hospitalized and needed intensive care, doctor visits, medications, or other treatments. Setting aside those fees was a good move from a public relations standpoint. The industry got credit for helping customers during tough times. And it had political and financial benefits for insurers, too. But nothing lasts forever. Starting at the end of last year, and continuing through the first quarter of 2021, many insurers are quietly ending those fee waivers for COVID treatment and patients are finding out after the fact. Terry discusses how to be proactive in making sure you and your patients are informed and why this will be the theme of 2021. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

We all know that Medicare has their definition of “Medical Necessity” under Title 18 of the Social Security Act. But did you know that the AMA, The American College of Medical Quality, AAFP, and many Payer Contracts have their own defined language of what “Medical Necessity” means? This week Terry discusses all of them to make sure that you are clear, legal, and compliant when submitting claims for services for your patients. You want to be right the first time! 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/

Terry discusses the recent CMS alerts and new coding questions relating to the 2021 EM Rules. Medical Decision Making has everyone confused. Can vaccines and immunizations be considered in the management of a patient? Where does a pre-op visit for surgery fall in the presenting problems addressed? Terry discusses these topics and more in this episode of the CodeCast podcast. 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 * Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights * iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: https://www.terryfletcher.net/contact/