CodeCast | Medical Billing and Coding Insights

This week’s CodeCast focuses on the 21st Century Cures Act or the “Information Blocking” regulations. The regulation became effective last Monday, April 5th, so you must know what is necessary when a patient requests their records and how you could get into monetary trouble if not compliant with their request. Also, when coding for Atherosclerotic Heart Disease, be alert to the details when you choose an ICD-10-CM code. 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/

March Madness wasn’t only about college basketball! Medicare made the first quarter of 2021 all about announcements. Listen to this week’s episode as Terry runs down the new CMS/Medicare announcements, regulation effective dates, and the AAP repayment start. 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 are working so many hours since the pandemic hit in January 2020. Over a year into the COVID Public Health Emergency, healthcare professionals, like other employees, had to emergently pivot to working remotely. This has blurred the boundaries between work and home. Let’s talk about how to “Zoom” out our Fridays with Terry this week as she talks about your mental weariness and how to refresh and refocus. 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/

Every year CMS releases an updated inpatient-only surgery list: and the surgeries on this list are not arbitrarily selected. Due to the complexity of the procedure, the risk for complications, the need for post-operative monitoring, and an anticipated prolonged time for recovery, CMS understands that these surgeries require a high level of care. Terry discusses some of these procedures in this episode of the CodeCast podcast and why it is important not only to your practice revenue but your patient’s financial choices. 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/

So many providers have been looking into setting up either an OBL (Office-Based Lab) or an ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center) with their partners. Terry discusses the topic in general terms before you dive in to determine if this could be a way for your providers to get back to a profitable practice. After the year we have had this could offer convenience to the patient to get those elective surgeries and procedures done now. If you haven’t considered this before, listen to this podcast and the reimbursement impact and you may start considering the possibility now. 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/

Virtual Check-ins have been confusing: not only on when to use them, but CMS added more to the list in 2021! The confusion continues for physicians, NPs, PAs and therapy ancillary staff on when to use these HCPCS G-codes, or what Terry refers to as, “G-we are watching you!” The episode of the CodeCast should clear up any confusion on usage, and help to make sure you are capturing these services appropriately. 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/

This week Terry talks about 99211 compliance, and when it is appropriate to report the “nurse” code. Also, Medicare as a Secondary Payer (MSP) can see many denials. CMS issued a new policy on the topic: we have the details. CMS also added a new “virtual check in” G code for other ancillary staff. Find out if you can report it on 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/

It’s Top Ten Tuesday time as Terry answers questions on depression screening, alcohol misuse screening, and smoking cessation. There are also ABN compliance questions along with coding for burning your mouth… on hot sauce! Also, have you ever heard of DM 1.5? We have the coding details. 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 this episode of the CodeCast, Terry focuses on February’s Heart Health Month, where many of us are wearing red to bring awareness to good cardiovascular habits and good heart healthy habits. Taking that to heart, Terry takes a look at cardiology coding as a focus, since so much has been addressed with COVID during the past year. She reminds us to not neglect your heart! (Or other possible issues that can arise!) Continuing with the theme, Terry cites examples of Cardiology E/M 2021 records that show the contrast of using time vs using MDM. You may be surprised because so many providers are defaulting to time as their leveling agent: and it is hurting their reimbursement profile. Also discussed is a timeline for ICD-11-CM; taking a break from it all for healthy minds as well as a healthy heart. 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/

When COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, new ICD-10-CM codes to identify this condition were not available. Subsequently, they were added by the CDC mid-year, and the guidelines for reporting COVID-19 changed many times as the pandemic evolved throughout 2020. Terry discusses the correct application of ICD-10-CM “Z” codes to report encounters for COVID-19 testing and to ease the confusion. She gives scenarios, that were recently published by AHIMA, to illustrate the differences between coding for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. Also, follow up this podcast with our blog at www.terryfletcher.net. 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/

Incident to rules have been a target of compliance lately with payers. Terry revisits the rules and gives some scenarios on when services can be billed under the physician and/or the APP. Audits have arrived: let’s make sure we are compliant in all aspects of our billing processes for our NPs and PAs. 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/

After presenting over 30 Webinars on the 2021 E/M Guidelines, Terry continues receiving questions about clarifications on what AMA and CMS are expecting when medical providers are documenting in a patient’s chart. This week, our Top 10 Tuesday Q&A addresses many of those questions and more! 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/

With a new administration coming into the White House, what CMS policies will continue and which ones will be halted or rolled back? Terry discusses what a new administration could mean for patients and hospitals, but also your bottom line if certain regulations are changed under the Biden administration. The 2021 inpatient surgery list elimination process has started, and the PHE extension comes with more temporary fixes. Listen this week to get the scoop. 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/

This week on the CodeCast Podcast, CMS once again threw us for a loop by not only doubling the 3.75% increase to the 2021 Fee Schedule but also the extending the PHE. What does that mean for medical practices? Join us this week for important updates as Terry discusses the impact of these changes as well as clarifying the EM MDM Data Point and Risk question. 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/

Join us for this important update, as we are now into the New Year. It’s time to make sure we understand the Myths and Realities of the MPFS and what the December 28th COVID Relief Bill signed by President Trump did to the projected Medicare reimbursement. Terry will also discuss the PHE services that have been added, the ones still in effect, and what will end as soon as the PHE ends (which is anticipated later this month). 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/