2013 CPT Changes!
Per AMA guidelines, the new code set should be used for claims filed as of January 1, 2013. Practices are advised to check with their local payers to verify payer implementation date of the new codes, to avoid any unnecessary claims denials and delays in payments!nnClick here for CPT changes for ALL SPECIALTIESn
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- CPT changes for CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
- CPT changes for ORTHOPEDICS AND SPINE
- CPT changes for NEUROLOGY
- CPT changes for PULMONARY/RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
- CPT changes for ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
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nContact Welter Healthcare Partners for all of your coding education and training needs! Welter Healthcare Partners is now offering customized ICD-10 training for providers, practices and hospitals. Contact us today for more details!
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CODER (CPC) PREPARATION COURSE & CERTIFICATIONnnCertified coders are in high demand! Advance your career in the medical field and get certified now!nnThis course will be offered as a combination live and web-based class to offer maximum flexibility for any student. It is designed to offer the most comprehensive and complete coding information to prepare students for the CPC examination and a career in the medical field. This course will include a brief overview of medical terminology, anatomy, CPT, ICD-9 CM and HCPCS manuals, and coding scenarios for practical application in the work environment.nnUpon completion of this course, participants will be prepared to sit for the nationally accredited American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)/Certified Professional Coder (CPC) coding certification examination.nnThis examination will be offered to class participants at the completion of the course.n
Congress passed The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, to avert the “fiscal cliff.” President Obama is expected to sign the legislation shortly.nnIn addition to various tax and spending measures, the legislation includes provisions of direct importance to medical group practices. The legislation:n
A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) highlights the cumulative experiences of more than 100 grantees that implemented major health IT projects between 2004 and 2007.nnThe report, Effective Teamwork and Sustainability in Health IT Implementation, reviews grantee experiences related to planning, long-term use, partnerships, vendor relationships, and end-user perceptions a few years after the end of the project period. According to the grantees, the most important factors affecting the sustainability of health IT were the ability to demonstrate benefits from health IT to grantees’ organizations, clinician support, and cost–related issues. Grantees said that most health IT products that were implemented and upgraded during the study continue to be used. However, they reported that in order for health IT projects to be successful, clinician buy-in and support must be established early in the planning period and be sustained during implementation and maintenance phases. Effective planning, including completing a detailed workflow analysis, implementation plan and process re-design assessment prior to implementation, were strong markers of long-term viability.nn
ceive a 26.5 percent reduction in payments starting Jan. 1 unless Congress intervenes. Action to avert the cut is being considered as part of broader fiscal cliff negotiations on tax and spending policies. However, these discussions remain up in the air, creating uncertainty over the timing of a solution.nnThe latest estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicate that a one-year patch to prevent the SGR cut would cost $25 billion. While most members of Congress agree that the current Medicare payment system must be repealed, the cost is daunting. Details should emerge in the coming week.