Q. When counting data points for the complexity of medical decision-making (CMDM) portion of the evaluation and management (E/M) visit level, what is the correct way to assign data points for an electrocardiogram? For example, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code is 71020 for a chest radiograph with interpretation and report. The description itself has the interpretation and analysis included in the code already. Is it considered double-dipping if we count the interpretation as 1 …
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Planning for Meaningful Use? The Clock Is Ticking
Urgent message: CMS offers stimulus funds to providers who “attest” that their EHR use improves patient care: up to $18,000 in 2011 alone. The sooner you do, the more you stand to earn. ERIC McDONALD “Meaningful use” refers to the use of a “certified” electronic health record (EHR) to meet specific objectives established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which administers the EHR incentive program. An EHR is certified when it demonstrates …
Read MoreEvaluation and Management: Coding Details
Q.Why is the (E/M) code important in urgent care? A.Because the majority of urgent care revenue is derived from E/M codes (mostly codes 99210-99215), accurate E/M coding is the most important coding variable in urgent care revenue. Inaccurate E/M coding is, also, the number-one reason that urgent care centers run into compliance issues with payors and regulatory agencies. Q.I see that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lists two sets of guidelines, 1995 …
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