Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

The most widespread changes throughout CPT® 2013 -- the switch to more inclusive or provider-neutral language -- shouldn’t be difficult for physician practices to put into place. "The concepts are pretty straightforward," said Richard Duszak, Jr., M.D., an AMA CPT® Editorial Panel member and practicing radiologist. "There’s been an evolution in CPT® for how codes report services by non-physicians." Result: Hundreds of codes were revised for 2013 to include "provider neutral language." Codes throughout the book have replaced designations of "physician" with "individual" or "qualified health care provider." Exception: A few codes retained the "physician" language, such as those related to skilled nursing facility admissions, because regulations require that a physician admit the patient. "CPT® is not the turf police," Duszak said. "We’re focusing on the services provided and recognize that sometimes professionals other than physicians are qualified to provide some services. As a nationally recognized reporting system, it’s important for [...]