Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Take Note: CMS Issues Corrections to 2009 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
PDF
Plus: One RAC reveals information about how it will evaluate claims during its review process.
CMS released Transmittal 1691, with an April 6 implementation date, alerting MACs and practices of several changes that you should make tothe 2009 fee schedule.
Among the changes are procedure status and RVU changes. For instance, the transmittal notes that the work RVU for code G0270 (Medical nutrition therapy...) should now be 0.45 for 2009.
The transmittal also changes several codes' long descriptors. For instance, you'll find a new descriptor for home INR monitoring codes G0248-G0250, which more specifically outline the criteria for billing these HCPCS Codes.
CMS also changes the procedure status for code 0085T (Heartsbreath test) to "N" because the procedure is now considered a non-payable code by Medicare.
To read the entire transmittal, visit the CMS Web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1691CP.pdf.
Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
- CORRECT CODING INITIATIVE:
CCI Institutes Over 300,000 New Code Pair Edits
This round, CCI also creates a few welcome deletions. If you thought CCI versions after [...] - COMPLIANCE:
Find Out When the OIG Advisory Process Applies to Your Practice
Tip: Make request before implementing policies. You've most likely read about one or two of [...] - PQRI:
Cardiology Association Urges Physician Involvement for Successful PQRI Implementation
Plus: If your claim has a zero dollar charge, don't expect your PQRI bonus to [...] - CRITICAL CARE:
Follow This FAQ to Maximize 99291 Coding
Physician 'preventing further deterioration' keys valid critical care claims. What do critical care services need [...] - READER QUESTION:
Know How to Report Hospital Discharge After Consultation
Tip: Differentiate attending doc from referring. Question: A family practice physician admitted a patient for [...] - Part B Coding Coach:
Keep Your Scope Coding All in the Family to Avoid Errors
Are you missing out on hundreds? Now's the time to find out. Coding scope procedures, [...] - PHYSICIAN NOTES:
Take Note: CMS Issues Corrections to 2009 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
Plus: One RAC reveals information about how it will evaluate claims during its review process. [...] - In other news ...
Wondering how the new Recovery Audit Contractors plan to review -- and possibly deny -- your claims [...]