Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
In other news ...• The OIG never forgets a recommendation -- particularly when
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To remind practices of the outstanding recommendations that the OIG suggested but that have not been implemented yet, the inspector general published a 108-page document outlining the initiatives that if implemented, have the potential to result in cost savings and improvements to program efficiency and effectiveness. Among the unimplemented recommendations is one that would encourage carriers to conduct pre-and post-payment reviews of the use of modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service). The OIG estimates that the government could save $59 million by more closely monitoring the claims that Medicare pays for modifier 59. However, the report notes, CMS has not yet implemented edits to ensure correct coding. To read the complete OIG report, visit www.oig.hhs.gov/publications/docs/compendium/compendium2009.pdf.
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
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