As an answer to our member requests we will now also display the coding corners that are now published in The Rheumatologist. The coding corner are written by Melesia Tillman, CPC-I, CRHC, CHA she is one of the certified coders on staff at the college. If you have any coding or billing questions, you may contact her at (404) 633 -3777 ext. 820 or via email
+ 2011
- 2011
JULY'S CODING CHALLENGE
Appeals and Denial Quiz
In this month's coding article, the topic is the Zone Program Integrity Contractor (ZPIC) audits (see Practice Page, for more on these audits). The following questions will help test your knowledge on appeals and denials. >>Read More
JUNE'S CODING CHALLENGE
A Coding Quiz
- When do new, revised, or deleted CPT codes become effective?
- Immediately upon release
- January 1st of each year
- October 1st of each year
- When Medicare releases a new medical policy
MAY'S CODING CHALLENGE
Incident- to Billing
Example A:
A 68-year-old established male patient presents for a follow-up visit for osteoarthritis and painful swollen knees. His physician was on vacation and the other physician was with another patient, so he was seen by the nurse practitioner. >>Read More
APRIL'S CODING CHALLENGE
Trigger Point Injections – Do's and Don'ts
Mary, age 51 years, returns to the rheumatology office for a follow-up visit for her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The physician takes a detailed history and performs an expanded problem-focused exam. The medical decision is of low complexity. During the visit, the patient complains of stiffness and swelling in the left hand, elbows, and neck. The rheumatologist performed an X-ray of the left hand, two views, and reads the results during the visit. Because of the severity of the swelling, the... >>Read More
March's Coding Challenge
Medical Necessity of a Diagnostic Ultrasound Office Visit
A 72-year-old female patient returns to the office for a routine follow-up visit for osteoarthritis. The patient reports that her right knee has been more swollen and stiff in the past three weeks. She is currently on celecoxib and ranitidine. >>Read More
February's Coding Challenge
To Code or Not to Code? That Is the Question!
Coding is not a scary thing when you follow the guidelines set forth in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) book and carriers' medical policies. Take this quiz to test your coding knowledge.>>Read More
January's Coding Challenge
Medical Necessity of 20610
A 72-year-old patient comes in for a routine follow-up visit for osteoarthritis. The patient reports that her right knee has been more swollen and stiff in the past three weeks. The patient is on celecoxib and ranitidine. >>Read More
+ 2010
- 2010
December's Coding Challenge
A 54-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis (OP) returns to the rheumatology practice for a follow-up visit. She reports that the pain in her hands and feet is slightly worse than last visit. >>Read More
November's Coding Challenge
Medical Necessity of 20610
On January 11, 2010, a 68-year-old female returns to the office for her monthly abatacept infusion treatment; she has an established diagnosis of moderate rheumatoid arthritis. She is currently on a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and also takes glucosamine-chondroitin. >>Read More
October's Coding Challenge
A 68-year-old female who is a new Medicare patient is scheduled for a visit with the rheumatologist. She was referred to the rheumatologist by her primary care physician for postmenopausal osteoporosis. >>Read More
September's Coding Challenge
A 68-year-old established male patient with osteoarthritis of the lumbar region returns to the office for a scheduled paravertebral facet joint injection. The patient is currently on a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, ranitidine, and glucosamine-chondroitin.>>Read More
August's Coding Challenge
ICD-9 Coding
A diagnosis is the foundation of all patient visits. It is the medical necessity of why the patient is seeing the rheumatologist. >>Read More
July's Coding Challenge
Modifiers: The Key to Proper Reimbursement
Understanding how and when to use a modifier is a major key to coding. Modifiers will often determine if a charge is reimbursed or denied.
>>Read More
June's Coding Challenge
Evaluation and Management Components
Can you and your coding or billing staff pass this quiz?
If a patient comes in with two established problems that are worsening, what is the level for the number of diagnoses or treatment options?
A.Minimal
B.Limited
C.Multiple
D.Extensive
E.None of the above
May's Coding Challenge
Established, New, or Consult? You Decide
On March 2, 2010, a patient who has not seen Dr. Baker since January 4, 2008 returns for a visit. Dr. Baker is on vacation, so the patient sees Dr. Clark, who is a partner in the practice and also a rheumatologist. What type of patient would this be for Dr. Clark?
A.Established
B.New
C.Consult
>>Read More
April's Coding Challenge
A rheumatologist is called to the hospital to see a 60-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis two days after an uncomplicated total knee replacement. >>Read More
March's Coding Challenge
A 68-year-old male established patient with osteoarthritis of the lumbar region returns for a scheduled paravertebral facet joint nerve injection. >>Read More
February Coding Challenge
As the new recovery audit contractors (RAC) begin their audits of Medicare claims, it is even more important that your billers know how to bill charges correctly. If you aren't sure if your billers are prepared for the RAC, have them take this quiz—or take it yourself to test your own knowledge.
True or false: You can bill and report separately for local anesthetic medication that is mixed with the injected medication (steroid).
a.True
b.False
>>Read More
January Coding Challenge
A 43-year-old established female patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis comes to the office for her first infliximab infusion. >>Read More
