Dec 2, 2020 | Uncategorized
nnStress in the era of covid may be unavoidable. It is important to be able to recognize the different symptoms and the potential health problems that can arise if stress levels are left unmanaged. Continue reading below to learn about the symptoms of stress and different ways to mitigate it.nnIn this time of Covid, many of us are experiencing remote work and a different kind of celebration fornthe holidays., These challenges may trigger a particular biological stress response that causesnchemicals and hormones to surge throughout our bodies.nnSome of the most common physical symptoms are aches and pains, diarrhea or constipation,nnausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heart rate, loss of sex drive, and frequent colds or flu. Emotionalnsymptoms include depression, unhappiness, anxiety and agitation, moodiness, and irritability ornanger.nnBeing able to recognize common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that is leftnunchecked can contribute to many health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure,nobesity and diabetes.nnSo how can we relieve the stress and anxiety that we are all facing in our daily lives? Considernexercise, taking slow even deep breaths, and my favorite soak in a warm bath while listening tonsoothing music. Reducing your caffeine intake and writing down what has you most concerned cannalso reduce anxiety These are simple, easy steps that can brighten your outlook and help younimprove your health.nnDifferent people may feel stress in different ways. But remember, you are important, you matter, younare valued and most importantly, you are unique and special! We will survive Covid, and in thenprocess maybe learn how to improve our mental and physical health.
Nov 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
As we get closer to Thanksgiving, all of us at Welter Healthcare Partners are reminded of what we are thankful for. We would like to wish all of our clients, business partners, families, and friends a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving! We are grateful for each of you and appreciate your support immensely.nnIn observance of the holiday, we will be closed on Thursday, November 26nd to give our employees time to enjoy the day with their loved ones. From the Welter Healthcare Partners family to yours, have a great Thanksgiving!
Nov 20, 2020 | Uncategorized
You may have questions about billing procedures after administering care via telehealth. It is important to review all information specific to your own situation before deciding on a code assignment. Continue reading below to learn more about code assignments when using telehealth.nnQ: What place of service (POS) codes and modifiers should be reported on physician claims for wound care services performed via telehealth during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE)?nnA: POS codes are two-digit codes that delineate the location in which services were rendered by a provider.nnWhen billing for outpatient telehealth services during the COVID-19 PHE, providers should use the POS code that they would have otherwise used had the service been provided in person.nnThe following POS codes may be reported on physician and non-physician practitioner claims for wound care services:n
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- 11 (physician office): The wound clinic is designated as part of the physician’s office.
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- 19 (outpatient hospital off campus): The wound clinic is hospital based but not on campus.
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- 22 (outpatient hospital on campus): The wound clinic is designated as hospital based.
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- Physicians billing under Medicare should use modifier -GT (via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems) to indicate that the services were rendered via synchronous telecommunication.
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nEditor’s note: This question was answered by Gloria Miller, CPC, CPMA, CPPM, vice president of Revenue Cycle Management at Comprehensive Healthcare Solutions Inc. in Tacoma, Washington, during the HCPro webinar “Revitalize ICD-10-CM and CPT Coding for Wound Care.”nnThis answer was provided based on limited information. Be sure to review all documentation specific to your own individual scenario before determining appropriate code assignment.nn nnOriginal article published on revenuecycleadvisor.com
Nov 20, 2020 | Uncategorized
There is a new prolonged service code for office or other outpatient services set for release January 1st, 2021. Healthcare practices should prepare for increased payer audits after this new code is released. Continue reading below for more information.nnTo say that this is a long time coming is an understatement! Finally extended care time devoted to patients in the clinic setting can be separately reported. This new code, 99417, will account for increments of 15 minutes above and beyond the allowable time for codes 99205 (60-74 minutes) and 99215 (40-54 minutes). With the publication of the 2021 CPT code books already being distributed, they include a table with a break down of appropriate uses. But do not get your stopwatches out of the junk drawers just yet, clinician. With all the hype we are seeing around the new guidelines for Office E/M encounters, our payers are being eerily quiet and have yet to announce anything regarding reimbursement for this new code. As we have seen in the past, clinicians and practices should be prepared to see an increase in payer audits following this transition and you can bet that code 99417 will be analyzed thoroughly.
Nov 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
The AMA released six new CPT codes for COVID-19 vaccines. The new CPT codes were created to support data-driven planning and allocation in regard to coronavirus. Continue reading below for more information.nnIn the last hours, the CPT Editorial Panel has just released six new CPT codes to capture COVID-19 vaccines and their correlating administration codes. The new CPT codes are designed to support data-driven planning and allocation. The following CPT codes are available to the public prior to the delivery of the vaccines to help facilitate updates that need to occur within our electronic health care systems.nnNow is the time to check with your EMR vendors and top payors to see how they plan to address this new code set:nn91300nSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 30 mcg/0.3mL dosage, diluent reconstituted, for intramuscular usenn91301nSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 100 mcg/0.5mL dosage, for intramuscular usenn0001AnImmunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 30 mcg/0.3mL dosage, diluent reconstituted; first dosenn0002AnImmunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 30 mcg/0.3mL dosage, diluent reconstituted; second dosenn0011AnImmunization administration by intramuscular injection of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 100 mcg/0.5mL dosage; first dosenn0012AnImmunization administration by intramuscular injection of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 100 mcg/0.5mL dosage; second dosennClick here to access November’s Special Edition of CPT Assistant Vaccine Coding for COVID-19
Nov 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Using modifier-62 to report and charge for co-surgery should be completed using the CPT guidelines for usage. Continue reading below for more information as well as an example of how a procedure would be adjudicated by co-surgeons.nnA patient has been seen in the clinic for recurrent large central/right herniation of L4-L5. Surgery was discussed, risks explained, and consent signed by the patient. This surgery is complex and requires two surgeons to complete the procedure.nnModifier -62 states: When 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier -62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on codes(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. Each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. If additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. Many physicians work as co-surgeons during complex procedures.nnDifferent specialties may perform distinct parts of a procedure. One may perform the procedure while the other surgeon performs the approach. Medicare reimburses co-surgery procedures by taking 125% of the approved reimbursement and paying each surgeon 62.5%. Other carriers may vary slightly, it is best to check with your specific payer for their contracted rates.nnThe following example shows how a spinal procedure performed by co-surgeons would be adjudicated based on CPT guidelines for the use of modifier -62.nn
