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Auditing split/shared encounters can become confusing when providers, auditors, and coders are not aligned. CPT and CMS have both issued guidance to help clarify how these services should be billed. In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry breaks down where to begin when auditing and educating on Split/Shared visits, what payers are currently saying, and how to maintain compliance for physicians and NPPs to prevent payer audits or confidently address them when they occur. She also gives a shout out to Sonda Kunzi, CPC, for her NAMAS article referenced during the discussion. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg YouTube Music – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ8tk23yZroZslhtTVe-PEIjQsAoJZJIQ Pandora – https://www.pandora.com/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-and-coding-insights/PC:1000156874 Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ The post Audit Tips For Split/Shared Visits appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
When auditing risk of management in an E/M note, how are over-the-counter (OTC) medications scored? Under the 1995/1997 guidelines, they were categorized in the “low” risk row. However, the 2021 guidelines provide no examples under minimal or low risk, relying instead on AMA and Medicare guidance. Terry explains this distinction and highlights the difference between an acute uncomplicated illness and an acute illness with systemic symptoms. Take a listen. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg YouTube Music – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ8tk23yZroZslhtTVe-PEIjQsAoJZJIQ Pandora – https://www.pandora.com/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-and-coding-insights/PC:1000156874 Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ The post “Risk” E/M Element OTC Medications appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Medical record signatures are more than the macro “electronically signed by Dr. Jack Jones.” A provider's signature is a legal attestation that the physician or provider performed, reviewed, and/or agreed with the documentation. Is this actually true, or are your EMR auto-signatures taking over? Terry discusses this critical aspect of medical record documentation compliance, with a shout-out to NAMAS for an article that also addresses the topic. Plus, a bonus update on the G0136 add-on code for 2026. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNm5vs6PFMIEDa5Undidlg YouTube Music – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ8tk23yZroZslhtTVe-PEIjQsAoJZJIQ Pandora – https://www.pandora.com/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-and-coding-insights/PC:1000156874 Amazon Podcasts – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9d8dc99-fced-45a2-82b4-0efdf144c897/CodeCast-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Insights iHeart Radio – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-codecast-medical-billing-a-31135434/ The post MR Signature Compliance appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of HIPcast, Terry Fletcher, shares her HI journey from nursing to coding. Terry also shares her experiences consulting in coding and auditing along with her incredible experience as a professional podcaster. Make sure to check her podcast CodeCast out and see her website for more. #HIPcast with Shannan and Seth.https://www.terryfletcher.net/podcasts/https://www.terryfletcher.net/HIPcast brought to you by Enterprise Social Record
Across the country, commercial payers are quietly down-coding E/M services without issuing ADRs and without providing notice. Office visit reimbursements are being arbitrarily reduced based on payer algorithms rather than a proper review of documentation for compliance. In today's CodeCast episode, Terry sheds light on this growing problem and explains how to take proactive steps […] The post Watch for Payer Automatic Down-Coding Without Notice appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of CodeCast, Terry takes a closer look at the growing issue of undercoding in healthcare. Often misunderstood or overlooked, undercoding involves reporting fewer services than were actually provided, assigning a lower-level code than warranted, or inaccurately documenting patient encounters. While some may view it as a conservative approach to avoid audits or […] The post Undercoding Is Real—And It's Costing You appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of CodeCast, Terry takes a closer look at the growing issue of undercoding in healthcare. Often misunderstood or overlooked, undercoding involves reporting fewer services than were actually provided, assigning a lower-level code than warranted, or inaccurately documenting patient encounters. While some may view it as a conservative approach to avoid audits or […] The post Undercoding Is Real—And It's Costing You appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of CodeCast, Terry dives into the complexities of billing bilateral procedures and the growing tension between Medicare guidelines and commercial payer policies. Modifier 50 is used to report procedures performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session. When billed correctly, the procedure should appear on a single claim […] The post Bilateral Billing Under Fire: Modifier 50 appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of CodeCast, Terry dives into the complexities of billing bilateral procedures and the growing tension between Medicare guidelines and commercial payer policies. Modifier 50 is used to report procedures performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session. When billed correctly, the procedure should appear on a single claim […] The post Bilateral Billing Under Fire: Modifier 50 appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Join Terry on the latest CodeCast podcast as she tackles your most pressing medical coding and compliance questions in our “Top Ten Tuesday” segment! Terry clears up common misunderstandings and provides clarity on complex ICD-10-CM coding scenarios. Get expert tips to improve your diagnostic coding accuracy. She also discusses how navigating the nuances of telehealth […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing, and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Join Terry on the latest CodeCast podcast as she tackles your most pressing medical coding and compliance questions in our “Top Ten Tuesday” segment! Terry clears up common misunderstandings and provides clarity on complex ICD-10-CM coding scenarios. Get expert tips to improve your diagnostic coding accuracy. She also discusses how navigating the nuances of telehealth […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing, and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In today's episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry untangles the complexities of Protected Health Information (PHI) and HIPAA as they relate to workers' compensation cases. She'll clarify the rights of both patients and employers when requests for PHI reach a healthcare provider's office. This can be a tricky area, especially given potential state-specific regulations. This […] The post HIPAA and Workers Comp Patients appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In today's episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry untangles the complexities of Protected Health Information (PHI) and HIPAA as they relate to workers' compensation cases. She'll clarify the rights of both patients and employers when requests for PHI reach a healthcare provider's office. This can be a tricky area, especially given potential state-specific regulations. This […] The post HIPAA and Workers Comp Patients appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
The 2023 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections added a one-liner on Independent Interpretations that responds to the question, “Can a practitioner get credit for both ordering and interpretation of a test, if documented?” In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry answers this question referencing the March 2023 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections. She also […] The post Can you get credit for ordering and interpretation of a test? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
The 2023 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections added a one-liner on Independent Interpretations that responds to the question, “Can a practitioner get credit for both ordering and interpretation of a test, if documented?” In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry answers this question referencing the March 2023 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections. She also […] The post Can you get credit for ordering and interpretation of a test? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the differences between APCM and CCM services and what is needed to report either. Compliance issues are seen with many care management service records. Terry covers how to follow best practices to ensure you follow the published guidance. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our […] The post APCM Focus appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the differences between APCM and CCM services and what is needed to report either. Compliance issues are seen with many care management service records. Terry covers how to follow best practices to ensure you follow the published guidance. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our […] The post APCM Focus appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This week's CodeCast summarizes the recent ICD-10-CM documentation guidelines instructions on sepsis, obesity, and COVID-19 reporting. Terry also provides more guidance on E/M risk in prescription drug management and caution with PSAs in patient documentation. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ YouTube […] The post ICD-10-CM April 1st Updates appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This week's CodeCast summarizes the recent ICD-10-CM documentation guidelines instructions on sepsis, obesity, and COVID-19 reporting. Terry also provides more guidance on E/M risk in prescription drug management and caution with PSAs in patient documentation. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ YouTube […] The post ICD-10-CM April 1st Updates appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Terry takes some inspiration from Stephanie Allard's February 27th for this edition of the CodeCast podcast. Terry discusses the differences and subjective issues between Acute Uncomplicated Illness (or Injury) versus Acute Complicated Illness in the E/M elements of coding and auditing. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 […] The post Acute Uncomplicated vs. Acute Complicated E/M Auditing appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Terry takes some inspiration from Stephanie Allard's February 27th for this edition of the CodeCast podcast. Terry discusses the differences and subjective issues between Acute Uncomplicated Illness (or Injury) versus Acute Complicated Illness in the E/M elements of coding and auditing. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 […] The post Acute Uncomplicated vs. Acute Complicated E/M Auditing appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Becoming a certified medical coder can be very exciting but also disheartening if you thought a job in coding would magically appear once you got your certification. In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses studying and test-taking tips for your certification, common misconceptions of job opportunities, and what it takes to persevere for […] The post Coding Career Opportunities and Challenges appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Today on the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses best practices for the -25 Modifier, where to find her latest blog on the AAPC website, and what the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement means to our country. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medical-Billing-p1056702/ […] The post The 25 Modifier and More appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this edition of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the “subtle changes” to look for in the ICD-10-CM updates effective October 1st. Also, Terry clears up understanding the UHC Gold Card Program, and what CMS looks at when they send you a denial. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts […] The post RCM Updates for 4th Quarter appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
According to the AMA, most physicians lack training in “webside manner.” Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System surveyed 1,213 patients from their respective institutions to measure preferences regarding the visual background seen during a video visit. Today's CodeCast podcast brings you the survey results, with […] The post Telemedicine “Webside Manner” appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Sometimes there are coding, compliance, and billing questions that we struggle to find answers to in any published guidance or specific regulatory rules. This week on the CodeCast podcast, Terry brings up three specific questions that we are always hunting for answers to and the best way to deal with them. Subscribe and Listen You […] The post Sometimes the rules are as “clear as mud” appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses ABI billing, Level 5 Drug Toxicity options, Aortic Stenosis ICD-10-CM coding, and some questions related to the 2025 CMS proposals. Listen this episode to see if any of your Coding Corner questions made the podcast cut! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing, and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This edition of the CodeCast podcast focuses on coding heart caths. When coding for cardiac catheterizations, if you don't have a working knowledge of this specialty it can be a bit challenging. That's why it's time to get back to the basics. Terry provides some tips into this coding concept, and what to look for […] The post Coding a Heart Cath appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This week on the CodeCast podcast Terry returns with her Top 10 Tuesday Q&A series. Join us as Terry covers questions covering risk support for E/M, Telehealth in the hospital setting, missed appointments, follow-up testing protocols, shared visit modifiers, and more. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing, and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
CMS published their PFS on July 10th. You have 90 days to comment and be heard on these changes including the proposed 2.93% reduction to the Physician Fee schedule. In this edition of the CodeCast, Terry goes over the talking points and what Part B providers can expect coming into the new 2025 calendar year. […] The post CMS Newsroom Update: Physician Fee Schedule 2025 appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Terry discusses when it is and isn't appropriate to report a preventative visit with an office visit on the same date. How did the patient present? What is the share of the cost-to-patient implications? And what will payers want to see for medical necessity? Terry covers it all in this edition of CodeCast podcast. Subscribe […] The post Office Visit with Preventative Med appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In today's episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry updates you on the latest CMS NCCI Edits, effective July 1st. She gives you the insight on the PTP and MUEs expected, along with some commentary and best practices on charging patients for no-show appointments. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts […] The post NCCI Updates 30.2 and No Show Appointments appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This week on the CodeCast podcast Terry returns with her Top 10 Tuesday Q&A series. Join us as Terry covers questions from Urgent Care to the ER, infusion charges, behavioral health, billing for unlisted codes, preventative med group codes, and more. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing, and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Many of the records Terry audits include a disclaimer to protect a physician from liability. However, does this disclaimer shield a physician who has signed a note or authenticated an electronic encounter? (Under the assumption the physician reviewed it?) In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the protections of a disclaimer and whether this […] The post Is a Medical Record “Errors Disclaimer” Valid? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the frequent urgent care center encounters that elevate to the patient going to the ER. Is this considered automatically high risk? So many providers want level 5, but what if it's to get testing or services unavailable at the UC? Terry discusses the complexities and compliance […] The post Urgent Care to ER Coding appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Critical care in 2024 can be tricky, with inclusions, carve-outs, and a time component. Are there exceptions when PA/NPs are involved in critical care services? What has to be documented? You may find some rules you didn't know about. Terry has all of the answers in this episode of the CodeCast podcast, sponsored by Decision […] The post Critical Care Inclusions and Carve-Outs appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this week's episode of the CodeCast podcast Terry discusses collecting information on medical practice websites. How you collect data on a website is equally as important as the data itself. If a patient doesn't mention a medical condition, their information may still be considered as PHI. Terry covers requirements, such as PHE and ePHI […] The post Did you know this is a HIPAA violation? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Join Terry Fletcher on this week's CodeCast as her Top 10 Tuesday returns. Terry has a packed podcast as she answers questions about G2211, 99459, and new versus established patients. This is one episode you don't want to miss for insights and resources to your most important coding, billing, and compliance questions. Subscribe and Listen You […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This episode of the CodeCast is sponsored by DecisionHealth LLC, Part B News. The PHE, public health emergency, ended on May 11th, 2023. However, the confusion on reporting Telehealth services continues. It is imperative to be up-to-date on all of the current published guidance. In this episode, Terry shares her Telehealth services tips and checklist […] The post 2024 Telehealth Checklist appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
The AMA MDM directions when leveling an E/M (Evaluation and Management) code (also known as office and/or hospital visits) are still confusing many providers, coders and auditors. In this week's CodeCast podcast, Terry attempts to bring some clarity into the Data Points discussion, regarding independent interpretations versus reviewed note. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe […] The post EM Data Points Confusion Clarifications appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
The AMA MDM directions when leveling an E/M (Evaluation and Management) code (also known as office and/or hospital visits) are still confusing many providers, coders and auditors. In this week's CodeCast podcast, Terry attempts to bring some clarity into the Data Points discussion, regarding independent interpretations versus reviewed note. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe […] The post EM Data Points Confusion Clarifications appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this week's CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the top ten coding, billing, and compliance questions from the last month. In this information-filled episode, she covers coding for staff prolonged services codes, how a physician order must be documented, what constitutes critical care coding, and more. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
In this week's CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the top ten coding, billing, and compliance questions from the last month. In this information-filled episode, she covers coding for staff prolonged services codes, how a physician order must be documented, what constitutes critical care coding, and more. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
When a dietician or nutritionist sees a patient, their services may not covered for bariatric patients aka obesity. It is a nice option to have, but patients, would most likely, have to pay for it themselves. Medicare is clear that they will pay for an obesity screening, and two behavioral health visits, if qualified, but […] The post Registered Dietitians and Nutritionist Coding and Billing appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Social Determinates of Health are important secondary diagnoses to help explain a patient's circumstances when it comes to access to medical care, adherence to medical advice, and environmental factors that could hinder care. However, many practices are reporting these codes without a direct relationship to the problems addressed in the encounter. This week Terry discusses […] The post Using SDoH (Social Determinates of Health) Correctly appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
CMS has not addressed a template for audio-only Telehealth visits. Therefore, Terry offers some best practices for audio-only documentation in order to stand up to and be compliant with payer audits. Terry will also talks about when E/M services are partially complete: is there anything to bill? Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our […] The post Documentation Requirements for Audio-Only Visits appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
Terry revisits the rule on reporting specificity in the laterality of a diagnosis, when the physician or QHP only gives us unspecified. What can we do as coders? As a bonus, Terry also updates us on the latest “No Surprises Act” protections. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – […] The post ICD10CM Revisited on Laterality appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
QHPs are often certified and must be licensed. Trying to use clinicians that cannot “independently report services to payers” as QHPs will not only flag you for an audit, but you could find yourself in hot water for false billing practices. Terry offers clear guidelines to steer clear of these issues on this episode of […] The post Defining a QHP appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
On an abbreviated edition of the CodeCast, it's "out with the old and in with the new" as Terry gives some quick tips on updating your outdated EMR template relating to E/M 2023 coding. The post Revisiting The EMR E/M Template appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..
This week on the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses external audits, and what you should be looking for when moving from internal to external audits. What are your objectives? Are they SMEs for your practice? What is the scope you need? It's time to get some piece of mind in your coding, billing and compliance processes. […] The post What are you looking for in an audit? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..