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March Madness wasn’t only about college basketball! Medicare made the first quarter of 2021 all about announcements. Listen to this week’s episode as Terry runs down the new CMS/Medicare announcements, regulation effective dates, and the AAP repayment start. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Medicare alerts: AAP, COVID vaccines, and more appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

We are working so many hours since the pandemic hit in January 2020. Over a year into the COVID Public Health Emergency, healthcare professionals, like other employees, had to emergently pivot to working remotely. This has blurred the boundaries between work and home. Let’s talk about how to “Zoom” out our Fridays with Terry this week as she talks about your mental weariness and how to refresh and refocus. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Home and work boundaries blurred for remote healthcare workers appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Every year CMS releases an updated inpatient-only surgery list: and the surgeries on this list are not arbitrarily selected. Due to the complexity of the procedure, the risk for complications, the need for post-operative monitoring, and an anticipated prolonged time for recovery, CMS understands that these surgeries require a high level of care. Terry discusses some of these procedures in this episode of the CodeCast podcast and why it is important not only to your practice revenue but your patient’s financial choices. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post What is an “Inpatient-Only Surgery List”? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

So many providers have been looking into setting up either an OBL (Office-Based Lab) or an ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center) with their partners. Terry discusses the topic in general terms before you dive in to determine if this could be a way for your providers to get back to a profitable practice. After the year we have had this could offer convenience to the patient to get those elective surgeries and procedures done now. If you haven’t considered this before, listen to this podcast and the reimbursement impact and you may start considering the possibility now. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post OBL vs ASC: Are you ready to invest in your own? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Virtual Check-ins have been confusing: not only on when to use them, but CMS added more to the list in 2021! The confusion continues for physicians, NPs, PAs and therapy ancillary staff on when to use these HCPCS G-codes, or what Terry refers to as, “G-we are watching you!” The episode of the CodeCast should clear up any confusion on usage, and help to make sure you are capturing these services appropriately. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Virtual Check-Ins: “G-We Are Watching You!” appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

This week Terry talks about 99211 compliance, and when it is appropriate to report the “nurse” code. Also, Medicare as a Secondary Payer (MSP) can see many denials. CMS issued a new policy on the topic: we have the details. CMS also added a new “virtual check in” G code for other ancillary staff. Find out if you can report it on this episode of the CodeCast Podcast. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post When should I report the 99211 Code? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

It’s Top Ten Tuesday time as Terry answers questions on depression screening, alcohol misuse screening, and smoking cessation. There are also ABN compliance questions along with coding for burning your mouth… on hot sauce! Also, have you ever heard of DM 1.5? We have the coding details. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Screening, ABN Use, and Hot Sauce! appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

On this episode of the CodeCast, Terry focuses on February’s Heart Health Month, where many of us are wearing red to bring awareness to good cardiovascular habits and good heart healthy habits. Taking that to heart, Terry takes a look at cardiology coding as a focus, since so much has been addressed with COVID during the past year. She reminds us to not neglect your heart! (Or other possible issues that can arise!) Continuing with the theme, Terry cites examples of Cardiology E/M 2021 records that show the contrast of using time vs using MDM. You may be surprised because so many providers are defaulting to time as their leveling agent: and it is hurting their reimbursement profile. Also discussed is a timeline for ICD-11-CM; taking a break from it all for healthy minds as well as a healthy heart. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Cardiology Coding Spotlight for Heart Health Month appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

When COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, new ICD-10-CM codes to identify this condition were not available. Subsequently, they were added by the CDC mid-year, and the guidelines for reporting COVID-19 changed many times as the pandemic evolved throughout 2020. Terry discusses the correct application of ICD-10-CM “Z” codes to report encounters for COVID-19 testing and to ease the confusion. She gives scenarios, that were recently published by AHIMA, to illustrate the differences between coding for COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. Also, follow up this podcast with our blog at www.terryfletcher.net. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post COVID-19 ICD-10-CM Coding Timeline For Outpatient Services appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Incident to rules have been a target of compliance lately with payers. Terry revisits the rules and gives some scenarios on when services can be billed under the physician and/or the APP. Audits have arrived: let’s make sure we are compliant in all aspects of our billing processes for our NPs and PAs. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Incident To Rules Revisited appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

After presenting over 30 Webinars on the 2021 E/M Guidelines, Terry continues receiving questions about clarifications on what AMA and CMS are expecting when medical providers are documenting in a patient’s chart. This week, our Top 10 Tuesday Q&A addresses many of those questions and more! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – 2021 E/M Guidelines appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

With a new administration coming into the White House, what CMS policies will continue and which ones will be halted or rolled back? Terry discusses what a new administration could mean for patients and hospitals, but also your bottom line if certain regulations are changed under the Biden administration. The 2021 inpatient surgery list elimination process has started, and the PHE extension comes with more temporary fixes. Listen this week to get the scoop. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  Amazon Podcasts – iHeart Radio – If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Will The New Administration Keep Existing Policies? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

This week on the CodeCast Podcast, CMS once again threw us for a loop by not only doubling the 3.75% increase to the 2021 Fee Schedule but also the extending the PHE. What does that mean for medical practices? Join us this week for important updates as Terry discusses the impact of these changes as well as clarifying the EM MDM Data Point and Risk question. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post PHE Extended and EM 2021 Clarifications appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Join us for this important update, as we are now into the New Year. It’s time to make sure we understand the Myths and Realities of the MPFS and what the December 28th COVID Relief Bill signed by President Trump did to the projected Medicare reimbursement. Terry will also discuss the PHE services that have been added, the ones still in effect, and what will end as soon as the PHE ends (which is anticipated later this month). Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Myths and Realities of 2021 Medicare Final Rule and Fee Schedule appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

This week Terry has some fun with coding by giving you the Top 10 holiday related ICD-10-CM codes for your last week of the year. These will show up as chief complaints of patients! Is there a Code for a Christmas tree falling on you? Yes, there is a code for that. Also, Terry updates everyone on the COVID-19 Relief Bill if it does or doesn’t pass, what to expect for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule impact. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Top 10 Holiday ICD10-CM Codes appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

While it is true that during the PHE Medicare and other commercial insurance plans are covering E/M Telephone visits (99441-99443) on a temporary basis, practices should not take this as a license to over-utilize these codes. They should not forget about the ‘virtual check in” options either. Terry discusses what it takes to support a phone call based on medical necessity, and when a virtual check in would be a better option. Also, when your EHR makes a “coding error” who is to blame? The provider, the coder or the EHR company? Listen in to find out what the industry is saying about this. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Medical Necessity for Audio-Only Telehealth appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

There have been a lot of questions flooding in about how to ICD10-CM code a COVID patient, or a suspected COVID patient, or even a post-COVID patient wanting to return to work. But how do you report those visits accurately? Terry goes over the clarifying codes and situations on today’s episode, along with an E/M 2021 clarification that has many baffled (as they are learning the new rules.) Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Clarifying COVID ICD10-CM Coding Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

On December 1, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that includes updates on policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, on or after January 1, 2021. Due to the flood of changes, Terry discusses the talking points for the changes, and some quick highlights. Until you can take an updated webinar, you have some insight into what to expect: huge physician fee schedule changes, Telehealth updates, and supervision changes for NPPs. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post CMS Final Rule 2021 Talking Points appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Medical coding and billing errors can cause a host of problems. Denied or partially paid claims are costly in dollars and cents. However, they can also cost you lost time, delayed payments, lower-quality patient care, angry patients, loss of reputation, and, in extreme cases, audits and fines — all of which can put your provider’s medical practice at risk. Terry discusses how to not let common coding and billing errors prevent you from meeting your accuracy goals. Your coding career depends on it! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post 10 Ways To Improve Medical Coding And Billing Accuracy appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

This week Terry gives you a top ten list of audit flags Telehealth Services can bring. What payers are looking for when audio-only visits are billed? Do you have the “lists” of approved services and providers for Telehealth? This episode will discuss the importance of being compliant for Telehealth under the PHE and what to expect once the PHE ends. Also, as a bonus, Terry discusses the new PPE code 99072 and if there is any reimbursement to be had. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts – Spotify –  Stitcher –  TuneIn – YouTube –  If you’d like to become a sponsor of the CodeCast podcast please contact us directly for pricing: The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Telehealth Audit Flags appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..