I have sent in two emails, and received fairly rapid responses. Here is part of the last one that covers some general information that may help some:
"For each case you will assign the CPT/HCPCS code in the column designated for CPT/HCPCS codes, in the next column you'll enter any modifiers that are required using the formatting indicated for those cases with multiple modifier requirements, the next column is the units that you want to report, then the next columns are for your ICD-10-CM codes. You will want to enter the ICD-10-CM codes that are relevant to the CPT code that you are reporting for that line. If you have more than one CPT code but only one ICD-10-CM code you will want to re-enter the ICD-10-CM code per CPT/HCPCS code lines. If you have more than 4 ICD-10-CM codes pick the top 4 for the service and report those.
As far as the amount of diagnosis codes to input:
****If you have more than four diagnoses, fill in the first primary codes and then leave off the rest.
EXAMPLE: If you have four regular diagnosis and one Z code or E code, code the 4 regular codes and then leave off the Z or external codes.
EXAMPLE: If you have only 3 dx codes, and one Z code or External code these would be in the 4th spot.
The dx codes are limited to 4 per CPT code. You need to use them in the same way that you would when you use the linking feature in your billing software. So when you have more than one CPT you would enter the dx codes that you want to be associated with that CPT code even if it is a repeat of the codes assigned to the first CPT code. This was done to mimic most billing software that limits the number of dx codes for each claim.
To know which 4 would give you full points you would want to review the answers listed in the answer in the module. You can review your answers in the modules as many times as you would like for as long as you have access to the course. FYI Coding tips
Actually, the first code listed is the code that links to the procedure. In this case all 4 ICD-10 codes were linked to the procedure, but it is essential that the first code is the reason/medical necessity for billing the procedure. Cannot code cellulitis as the reason for the infection has to do with previous surgical procedure. Cellulitis is coded when it is unrelated to previous surgery. It is coded when it is acquired such as a result from an insect bite.
(ICD-10-CM codes are entered in to link with each CPT code reported. Therefore some dx codes will be entered twice.)
Do not code anything that is not done by the physician, these are Professional Fee exercises, means that this is physician fee only.
Code ECG's and EKG's if is stated in the report that the physician interpreted, reviewed, and signed electronically below that statement that he had done so.
This is important:
Every listed CPT should be in Work RVU order. You can find this FREE calculator when you sign into your AAPC web page, and look for Resources at the top, and there will be a
drop down dialog box; and look for CPT RVU calculator. (Hint) Sometimes, a procedure code will be coded first before an E/M code due to the Work RVU's. When you fill it in, type in the cpt codes, making sure to put in 1 unit in the blank on the right of the code. Press calculate and it will show you the hierarchy of the codes. Code the highest RVU first and so on.
The modules are meant for practice only and the scores associated with these cases are not counted against you. This will not keep you from moving onto the assessments. If it does please let us know.
Also, at the top of the clinical report there might be further instructions by the statement, "Private Payer (Medicare for over 65 years) .....Sometimes we ask that you code the External
Cause Codes, and sometimes not. It can sometimes give you information on what the payer require from RT/LT or 50 modifiers.
Each CPT, Modifier, Unit, and Diagnosis code counts as 1 point.
Remember the Practicums are for "practice" for taking the 20 Question Assessments (which must be passed with at least 70%, you have 3 attempts)
After you have submitted your answer, you will see a button that says 'show your answers'. When you click this it will give you the case at the top, then scroll down and you will see your answers and the correct answers with the rationales next to them.
You will be required to complete ICD-10 Module 1 and then take Assessment 1. The modules are practice cases that you can only answer one time, but you are not required to pass these cases, only complete them. For the Assessments, these are 20 questions that need to be passed with a 70% or better, and you get up to three times to pass these. You would then go on and complete Module 2 and take Assessment 2, and so on. ***Please be aware, once you access the assessments you will need to complete all 20 exercises in one sitting. Once you have completed all 600 cases in the ICD-10 modules and passed all three assessments you’re A will be removed.
You will be required to complete ICD-10 Module 1 and then take Assessment 1. The modules are practice cases that you can only answer one time, but you are not required to pass these cases, only complete them. For the Assessments, these are 20 questions that need to be passed with a 70% or better, and you get up to three times to pass these.
You would then go on and complete Module 2 and take Assessment 2, and so on.
Please be aware, once you access the assessments you will need to complete all 20 exercises in one sitting they take approx. 3 hours 30 minutes. Once you have completed all 600 cases in the ICD-10 modules and passed all three assessments, please contact AAPC to update your account and remove your Apprentice status.
If you have any other questions on how to enter codes, please feel free to write to: www.practicode@aapc.com"
