Author: Tomak, Tracey

Source: CodeWrite | AHIMA newsletter article

Publication Date: April 2017

In August of 2000, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs) under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). The objective of the APC payment system was to control costs and increase efficiencies for outpatient ser....

Author: Comfort, Angie

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2017

As last year drew to a close, facilities began the looming task of reviewing the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) final rule to ensure their chargemaster and systems were up-to-date with the 2017 changes. The final rule for calendar year (CY) 2017 was released on Novem....

Author: Wilson, Donna D

Source: Journal of AHIMA - website

Publication Date: October 30, 2014

The proper application of modifier -59 (Distinct Procedural Service) has mystified many a coder. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently indicated that modifier -59 is the most commonly used and abused of all the modifiers—mainly due to the fact that it is used to....

Author: Swindle, Jennifer

Source: AHIMA Convention

Publication Date: October 02, 2011

ABSTRACT:

Background: The need for modifiers to further and appropriate identify accurate coding information to all payers is critical for appropriate and accurate reimbursement. Failure to use modifiers can have a negative impact on a physician or an organizations’ revenue as witho....

Author: Kuehn, Lynn

Source: AHIMA Convention

Publication Date: October 02, 2011

Introduction

Spinal surgery can involve a combination of nervous system and musculoskeletal system procedures. Understanding the definitions, anatomy and procedure concepts of these systems provides a foundation for use by the coder in correctly assigning codes in multiple classification....

Author: Hapner, Peggy

Source: AHIMA Convention

Publication Date: September 25, 2010

Observation is a necessary, though cumbersome, service provided in hospitals today. Many facilities would like to see observation eliminated because it is a logistical nightmare, particularly when it comes to charges and reimbursement.

The most stringent rules about observation....

Author: Nelson, Tanai S; Benjamin, Christina

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: July 2009

Correctly coding casts, splints, and strapping can be confusing. Much of the confusion is related to what type of materials are classified as casts, splints, or strapping; whether the CPT application codes or the HCPCS level II codes should be assigned; and whether the work performed is includ....

Author: Clark, Andrea

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: March 2009

The final rule for the 2009 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) includes multiple revisions that hospitals must address in their practices, policies, and operations. Hospitals should develop strategies for analyzing the financial impact and operational challenges by reviewing the foll....

Author: Walk, Gerri

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: January 2009

Because coding and radiology departments often share accountability for the quality of outpatient radiology coding, it is important that coding professionals share coding issues and charge capture expectations with radiology staff. This article outlines methods to improve the quality of coded....

Author: Lenahan, Monica

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: January 2009

Cardiac catheterization procedures involve the insertion of a catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart for investigational and interventional purposes. A small puncture is made most commonly in the femoral artery in the groin region. A guidewire is then inserted into the incision and thr....