Coding

The X{EPSU} Modifiers Further Define Modifier 59 - 08/13/2020

Modifier 59, the distinct procedural service modifier associated with Medicare National Correct Coding Initiative edits, is one you might find confusing (many practices do). Follow these guidelines

Practice e-Tips on Coding - 08/12/2020

Get practice tips on all things coding. Learn about coding methods, correct coding, resources, coding related to Workers' Comp and more.

E&M Coding About to Change - 08/03/2020

First, the bad news: Physicians need to take some serious time between now and Jan 1, 2021, to study changes that are coming to Medicare outpatient evaluation and management (E&M) codes – changes most private insurers likely will follow. Now the good news: The changes should reduce the amount of documentation needed with each patient.

Take Our Billing and Coding Quiz - 07/17/2020

TMA Knowledge Center staff fields hundreds of questions about coding and billing from TMA members. Here are a few FAQs. Do you know the answers to these questions?

New CPT Code Is “Industry Standard” for COVID-19 Antigen Testing - 07/08/2020

Three new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are now on the list of COVID-19 lab testing codes, effective June 25

How Health Plans Are Covering COVID-19 Testing and Treatment - 06/24/2020

Many health insurers in Texas are waiving patient costs associated with COVID-19. Last week in a news release, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Insurance asked insurers and HMOs to cover testing consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, and telemedicine visits.

Use “Time, MDM” for Medicare Telehealth Coding - 06/02/2020

When coding for Medicare telehealth visits, you can use either medical decisionmaking (MDM) or time as the basis for your selection of office/outpatient evaluation and management (E&M) levels of service, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has clarified.

AMA Creates CPT Code for Coronavirus Test - 03/17/2020

The American Medical Association has created a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code, 87635, to report laboratory testing services that diagnose the presence of the novel coronavirus.

Examine the Billing Cycle “Vitals” for Your Practice - 11/13/2019

The Texas Medical Association’s free webinar, What You Need to Know to Evaluate Your Billing Process, offers a step-by-step process and tools to assess your practice’s financial health and identify key areas for improvement. The webinar will show you how to use practice management reports to evaluate your staff’s productivity, your billing and collections processes, and even payer performance.

Timing for Annual Medicare Mammograms - 10/29/2019

Medicare counts 11 full months after the month in which the patient received her screening

Using Unlisted Codes for Workers' Comp Services - 10/29/2019

Using Unlisted Codes for Workers' Comp Services

Payers Axe Consultation Codes - 08/07/2019

Both Cigna and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) have announced that starting in October, they will no longer pay for CPT consultation codes 99241-99245 – office consultations – and 99251-99255 – inpatient consultations. UHC’s policy change becomes effective Oct. 1, as outlined in its March bulletin. Cigna’s July newsletter says Cigna’s policy takes effect Oct. 19.

Get Dates of Service Right on Medicare Claims - 05/30/2019

When you a perform a Medicare service that is global, has both a professional and a technical component, or spans days or months, you need to know what date Medicare considers to be the official date of service when you file your claim. Here is some guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about coding and billing dates of service on professional claims.

Use Modifiers to Override Correct Coding Initiative Edits - 05/28/2019

Correct Coding Initiative Edits Now Free on Internet

Medicare Critical Care and Initial Hospital Services E and M Slated for Review - 05/17/2019

If you’ve been “probed and educated” twice by Novitas Solutions Inc. for high rate of claims errors regarding certain evaluation and management (E&M) services, you may receive more such review and education this summer.

Code Carefully for Bilateral Procedures - 05/02/2019

Coding for bilateral procedures can be confusing. Many payers accept CPT modifier 50 as an indicator of a bilateral procedure, but they differ in how they apply it to their coding and payment policies.

Use New G Codes for Medicare Therapy Claims - 03/04/2019

Starting with services dated Jan. 1, 2013, physicians have to report new, nonpayable G codes and related modifiers on Medicare claims for outpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

Coding Changes Affect UnitedHealthcare Prior Authorization Lists - 02/22/2019

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has replaced and added procedure codes on its notification and prior authorization (PA) lists.

Cornered: Proposed Medicare Fee Overhaul Could Box In Doctors - 02/05/2019

Proposed overhaul to Medicare payments for complex patient care visits and same-day office-based procedures could box in Texas physicians.

Use Transitional Care Management CPT Codes - 01/10/2019

Two new CPT codes for transitional care management services are in effect, and Medicare accepts them. But read the Medicare rules carefully because they vary from the CPT guide.

Coding and Documentation Review - 12/19/2018

An in-depth review of medical record documentation and claims coding that identifies deficiencies and areas of risk. This review will help streamline coding and documentation processes and decrease the risk of external audits.

United to Add Lab, Change Lab and Other Policies - 10/04/2018

Starting Jan. 1, 2019, UnitedHealthcare will use Quest Diagnostics, in addition to LabCorp, as in-network laboratories for all UHC members (excluding existing lab capitation agreements).

Responsibility for Coding - 09/18/2018

Remember, physicians ultimately are responsible for choosing which code s the practice bills to insurance carriers.

TMA to Feds: EHRs Must Talk to Each Other - 06/27/2018

The Texas Medical Association is pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make sharing patient information through electronic health records safer, faster, and cheaper.

Guidelines for Medicaid Radiology Prior Authorization - 05/03/2018

Texas Medicaid requires prior authorization for outpatient diagnostic radiology services. Follow these guidelines to help you sail through the process.