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July 2026 Articles

Jul 31, 2026
Primary Care Coding:
Code Palpitations as a Symptom When Supported by Documentation
Question: A 19-year-old patient presents to a family medicine clinic reporting episodes of... Read more
Jul 31, 2026
Anesthesia Coding:
Understand Why Physical Status Modifiers Are Useful, Even When Not Reimbursable
Some payers consider physical status just information, but they contextualize some anesthe... Read more
Jul 31, 2026
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Identify the Different Imaging Tests for Suspected Osteomyelitis
Find out which modality is considered the gold standard. One of the most challenging cond... Read more
Jul 31, 2026
Urology Coding:
Understand CPT® ESWL and Ureteroscopic Stone Treatment Coding
Do you need modifier 53 for an ESWL converted to surgical treatment? Urinary stone diseas... Read more
Jul 30, 2026
Pulmonology Coding:
Decipher Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis Coding
Learn how to identify the phases of ILD. Coding for interstitial lung disease (ILD) is co... Read more
Jul 30, 2026
Emergency Department Coding:
Get Your Facts Straight to Code FAST Exams
FAST vs. eFAST: Do you know the difference? A patient presents to the emergency departmen... Read more
Jul 30, 2026
Cardiology Coding:
Document the Complete Clinical Picture Beyond Chest Pain
Consider these best practices for documenting diagnostic evaluations, supporting medical n... Read more
Jul 30, 2026
Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Know Steps to Follow for Arthrocentesis Coding
Physician will start with E/M, imaging to decide if service is necessary. Arthrocentesis ... Read more
Jul 30, 2026
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Differentiate Between 93970 and 93971 for Suspected DVT
Question: A senior patient came into our radiology practice with left calf swelling, tende... Read more
Jul 29, 2026
Urology Coding:
Pinpoint the Correct Nephrolithotomy Procedure Code
Question: A 54-year-old patient presented to the emergency department (ED) with severe low... Read more
Jul 29, 2026
Medicare Regulations:
Find Modifier Clarity for Facet Joint Injection in LCD
Question: I know Medicare sets coverage limits on the number of therapeutic facet joint in... Read more
Jul 29, 2026
Compliance:
Be Proactive About Compliance to Reduce Chance of Fraud
Educating providers about others' mistakes can emphasize the risk of upcoding. Upcoding, ... Read more
Jul 29, 2026
Gastroenterology Coding:
Is 43239 Restricted to a Certain Number of Biopsies?
Question: I have a procedure note for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with a biopsy. T... Read more
Jul 29, 2026
Pediatric Coding:
Get Ready for Back-to-School Visits With These FAQs
Strengthen your screening and immunization coding skills before the rush! This season bri... Read more
Jul 28, 2026
Path/Lab Coding:
Understand Uncertain Does Not Mean Unspecified
Question: What does it mean when a pathologist describes a neoplasm of the breast as uncer... Read more
Jul 28, 2026
Path/Lab Coding:
Brace Yourself for Bad News in the 2027 MPFS
Big reductions in CDLT valuations are heading your way. Labs don't have much to look forw... Read more
Jul 28, 2026
Path/Lab Coding:
Know When to Bill for Cellular Enhancement When Examining Breast Aspiration
Question: Our pathologist performed a fine needle aspiration (FNA) on a patient's breast, ... Read more
Jul 28, 2026
Diagnostic Radiology Coding:
Learn Why a Head CT Without Contrast Is Needed in Emergency Situations
Question: A 65-year-old patient arrived at the emergency department (ED) claiming a sudden... Read more
Jul 28, 2026
Technology & Innovation in Healthcare:
Learn How RPM/RTM Reimbursement Rules Could Change in 2027
Also, CMS is seeking input on remote monitoring code adjustments. On July 16, 2026, the C... Read more
Jul 27, 2026
Optometry/Ophthalmology Coding:
Decode Visual Field Testing Codes With Confidence
Do VF testing codes apply to one or both eyes? Visual field (VF) testing, also known as p... Read more
Jul 27, 2026
Otolaryngology Coding:
Get the Answers to These 4 Frequently Asked Tonsillitis Questions
Also, remember to stay alert for these key coding considerations. Tonsillitis is probably... Read more
Jul 27, 2026
Urology Coding:
Use Neoplasm Codes for Confirmed Pathology Results
Question: A patient presented to the urologist complaining of blood in their urine. After ... Read more
Jul 27, 2026
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Use an ‘Other’ Code to Best Capture African Tick Bite Fever
Question: I'm reading notes for a recent patient encounter. The patient presented with fev... Read more
Jul 24, 2026
Neurosurgery Coding:
Get Treatment Types, Diagnoses Straight on Vertebral Fracture Repairs
Do you know the different fracture and treatment types? When your surgeon repairs a patie... Read more
Jul 24, 2026
Orthopedic Coding:
Get Paid for Your Bankart and Synovectomy Claims
Don't let 1 missing sentence lead to a denial. Shoulder arthroscopy procedures can presen... Read more
Jul 24, 2026
Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Go to 6th Character for Epilepsy Diagnoses
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “epilepsy w/grand mal on ... Read more
Jul 24, 2026
Primary Care:
Document the Diagnostic Journey
Focus on capturing clinical reasoning in primary care. A patient presents with fatigue. I... Read more
Jul 23, 2026
Cardiology Coding:
Know the True Meaning of ‘With’ in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index
Question: I work for a cardiology office and reviewed a progress note for a patient with h... Read more
Jul 23, 2026
Orthopedic Coding:
Step up to Code This Ankle Injury
Question: A patient who injured their left ankle after falling from a ladder reports to th... Read more
Jul 23, 2026
Otolaryngology Coding:
Get the Full Picture on Partial Thyroidectomy Coding
Question: A patient returned to our surgeon after previously having a thyroidectomy. The s... Read more
Jul 23, 2026
Podiatry Coding:
Don’t Stress About Coding This Foot Fracture Case
Question: A 30-year-old patient presented to the podiatrist with dorsal left foot pain tha... Read more
Jul 22, 2026
Practice Management:
Prepare for Possible Reimbursement Redistribution in 2027
CMS is proposing making PE reimbursement more responsive to current market conditions. In... Read more
Jul 22, 2026
Medicare Regulations:
Beware of Possible, Big-Picture Changes to Medicare Eligibility for Some Individuals
Question: I've looked at the calendar year (CY) 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS... Read more
Jul 22, 2026
Anesthesia Coding:
Sometimes You Can Bill for Anesthesiologist’s Time Despite Canceled Surgery
Question: I'm newer to anesthesia coding and need help with a canceled case. The surgery n... Read more
Jul 22, 2026
Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Ace Autonomic Nerve Injection Encounters With These Codes
Question: If the physician performs an autonomic nerve injection of an anesthetic agent, i... Read more
Jul 21, 2026
Ob-Gyn Coding:
Use ‘0’ as the 7th Character With Single Gestation Maternal Complication Codes
Question: I'm new to ob-gyn coding and I'm having a lot of trouble understanding the error... Read more
Jul 21, 2026
Pulmonology Coding:
Identify the Correct Diagnosis Code for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Question: A 75-year-old new patient presented to the pulmonologist with chronic cough, fat... Read more
Jul 21, 2026
Pulmonology Coding:
Can You Report Asthma With a COPD Exacerbation Case?
Question: Our pulmonologist saw a senior patient who was experiencing an exacerbation of t... Read more
Jul 20, 2026
Podiatry Coding:
Navigate Routine Foot Care Coverage Across the 7 MACs
Same procedure, 7 personalities — a field guide to Medicare podiatry billing. Routine f... Read more
Jul 20, 2026
Oncology/Hematology Coding:
Take These 4 Steps for Accurate RETACRIT® Coding
Question: What is the correct way to bill for RETACRIT® for a patient undergoing erythrop... Read more
Jul 20, 2026
Ob-Gyn Coding:
Does Granulation Tissue Cauterization Fall Under Postpartum Care?
Question: A patient presented to their gynecologist with perineal irritation and urinary f... Read more
Jul 17, 2026
Medicare Regulations:
Get a Glimpse of Future Payment Possibilities via CY 2027 MPFS
CMS is continuing with two CFs, but primary care may make out better than specialties. Th... Read more
Jul 17, 2026
E/M Coding:
See How CMS Proposes to Reshape E/M Payments in 2027
CMS seems to move in opposite directions, but the changes all affect reimbursement more th... Read more
Jul 17, 2026
General Coding:
CMS Proposing Changes to Advance Care Planning
Two new HCPCS codes could change how you bill ACP. The Centers for Medicare & Medicai... Read more
Jul 16, 2026
In Case You Missed It (RCI Bonus Content):
Understand the Clover Health Ruling, Rethink Coding and Documentation in a Value-Based Care Environment
The ruling points to the need for proactive documentation. The Medicare Advantage (MA) St... Read more
Jul 16, 2026
E/M Coding:
Code Patient Portal Discussions With Virtual E/M Rules in Mind
Question: A provider asked me about possibly billing a lengthy patient portal exchange wit... Read more
Jul 16, 2026
Anesthesia Coding:
Bill the OR Case, Not Just the Surgeon’s CPT® Code
Question: I'm newer to anesthesia coding and need help with an operating room (OR) case. A... Read more
Jul 16, 2026
Podiatry Coding:
Base Your Lesion Shaving Codes on Pre-Procedure Measurements
Question: A podiatrist shaved an epidermal lesion measuring 1.2 cm from a patient's left f... Read more
Jul 15, 2026
General Surgery Coding:
Use These 3 Tips to Guide Your Expert-Level Appendectomy Coding
Reporting complications and conversions just got easier, thanks to these key tips. Append... Read more
Jul 15, 2026
Cardiology Coding:
Pin Down Heart Failure Specificity Before Choosing I50.-
Question: I'm reviewing a cardiology note for a 72-year-old established patient seen after... Read more
Jul 15, 2026
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Rely on Reason for Visit if Allergy Tests Don’t Provoke Reaction
Question: I just started at an allergist's office and sometimes we see patients who come i... Read more
Jul 14, 2026
Emergency Department Coding:
Learn How to Navigate SDOH Code Reporting
Question: I'm reviewing an emergency department (ED) visit where the provider documents th... Read more
Jul 14, 2026
Gastroenterology Coding:
Check out These 7 Steps to Coding Colonoscopies After Positive Fecal Results
Here's how to use Medicare modifier PT. Colorectal cancer screening has changed significa... Read more
Jul 14, 2026
Otolaryngology Coding:
Don’t Let This Code Choice Strike the Wrong Nerve
Question: We recently got denied for billing 64450 with R05.3. Why is this, and what shoul... Read more
Jul 13, 2026
Pediatric Coding:
Confidently Code This Muscle Weakness Case
Question: A 10-year-old patient presents to outpatient physical therapy six weeks after su... Read more
Jul 13, 2026
General Surgery Coding:
Look to Soft-Tissue Tumor Codes for a Lipoma Excision
Question: I have a surgical report that lists the procedure as an excision of a 4 cm subcu... Read more
Jul 13, 2026
Ob-Gyn Coding:
Learn How to Sequence High-Risk OB and IVF Pregnancy Codes
Don't assume every IVF pregnancy qualifies for an O09.81- code. Advances in reproductive ... Read more
Jul 10, 2026
Neurology & Pain Management Coding:
Look to Combo Codes on Some Evoked Potentials
Question: A 58-year-old presents with a year of progressive weakness and stiffness in both... Read more
Jul 10, 2026
Oncology/Hematology Coding:
Know to Avoid Compliance Pitfalls and Support Accurate Cancer Dx Coding, Part 1
Look at these OIG audit results and learn. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently... Read more
Jul 10, 2026
Primary Care Coding:
Evaluate MDM for Acute Symptoms With Tests Ordered
Question: An established 46-year-old patient presented to the primary care office reportin... Read more
Jul 09, 2026
Emergency Department Coding:
Separate E/M From FBR Before Making Coding Decision
Question: A patient was working under their car when a fragment of metal fell from the eng... Read more
Jul 09, 2026
Neurosurgery Coding:
Be Sure to Code Only for Surgeon’s Services in ED Encounters
Question: A 73-year-old patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a severe, s... Read more
Jul 09, 2026
General Surgery Coding:
Hit the Target With Your Tendon Sheath Surgical Coding
Question: I'm having trouble choosing between 26055 and 26145 for a procedure. The patient... Read more
Jul 08, 2026
Gastroenterology Coding:
Understand Why Waiting for Pathology Matters in Coding
Question: I read the Revenue Cycle Insider article, “Use These 5 Steps to Code Colon Pol... Read more
Jul 08, 2026
Technology & Innovation in Healthcare:
Examine How Senior Citizens Can Use VR for OT and PT
Question: Are virtual reality (VR) therapies only beneficial to patients who are middle ag... Read more
Jul 08, 2026
Compliance:
Avoid Billing Mistakes in Multi-Location Practices
Question: If a patient receives an evaluation and management (E/M) service at one pra... Read more
Jul 07, 2026
Compliance Coding:
Understand E/M Billing for Preoperative Visits
Question: Our surgeon saw a patient in the office, evaluated their condition, and schedule... Read more
Jul 07, 2026
Orthopedic Coding:
Don’t Overcode This Arthroplasty Procedure
Question: The practitioner's notes show that a diagnostic arthroscopy of the right hi... Read more
Jul 07, 2026
Pediatric Coding:
See What a Difference a Day Makes
Question: When a physician provides critical care to a neonate, and the patient turns... Read more
Jul 06, 2026
General Coding:
Apply MEAT to Support Chronic Condition Coding
Question: A Medicare Advantage patient presents for a routine follow-up visit. The provide... Read more
Jul 06, 2026
Optometry/Ophthalmology Coding:
Remember That an IOL Is an Implant
Question: Is there a separate code only for intraocular lens removal (IOL) or should we us... Read more
Jul 06, 2026
Technology & Innovation in Healthcare:
Watch Out for Copy-Forward and Imported Information
Question: After reading the Revenue Cycle Insider article, “Learn What You Can — and C... Read more
Jul 02, 2026
Oncology/Hematology Coding:
Look to Medicare Guidance for Breast Reduction Reimbursement
Question: One of our patients needs breast reduction to ensure breast symmetry following b... Read more
Jul 02, 2026
Optometry/Ophthalmology Coding:
Don’t Forget a Cause Code for Burn Injuries
Question: I have a report for an encounter with a 12-year-old patient. The patient was mak... Read more
Jul 02, 2026
General Coding:
Bill 96372 for Injection With Medication Supplied From Elsewhere
Question: Our office administers patient-supplied intramuscular medications. Can we report... Read more
Jul 01, 2026
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Drug Toxicity Coding: Know When It’s an Adverse Effect, Poisoning, or Toxic Effect
Poisoning symptoms and adverse effects from proper use may look similar, but they require ... Read more
Jul 01, 2026
Practice Management:
Revenue Cycle: Don’t Let Deductibles Drain Your Early-Year Cash Flow
Verify benefits, educate patients, and wait for the payer adjudication when the deductible... Read more
Jul 01, 2026
E/M Coding:
Look at All Elements of MDM, Not Just Symptoms
Question: An established patient presents with two days of sore throat, congestion, cough,... Read more
Available Years:  2026  2025  2024