Articles related to CODING & REIMBURSEMENT

The potential removal of the DIEP flap’s unique medical billing code by CMS could pose significant barriers to this beneficial breast reconstruction option, prompting calls for its preservation to ensure continued access and patient choice. Dive in to explore the implications of this pivotal issue for breast cancer patients and the health care system.

As physicians navigate the shifting sands of healthcare policies, Cigna’s latest decision serves as a reminder of the need for streamlined processes and clear communication. Discover how this policy change may impact your practice and patient care.

The imminent CMS coding changes, leading to massive pay cuts, threaten to significantly reduce the availability of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, a procedure renowned for its superior patient outcomes. The potential repercussions, such as increased health disparities and a loss of specialized surgical skills, underscore the urgent need for policy reconsideration.

A new comprehensive study brings to light the considerable cost disparities between FLACS and PCS, urging opthalmologists to reconsider their preferred surgical procedures for cataract treatment.

Navigate the rapidly changing landscape of patient communication, as we explore the ins and outs of charging for MyChart messages. The COVID-19 pandemic has swiftly transformed the dynamics of healthcare communication. Consequently, healthcare providers increasingly rely on telehealth visits and digital communication tools to connect with patients. A significant offshoot of this shift is the growing trend of charging for MyChart messages. Healthcare systems have begun charging for the time providers spend responding to messages. Some hospitals have even expressed plans to bill up to $50 for MyChart messages. This new approach was permitted through changes to the 2020 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The revised codes introduced three new time-based categories, thereby allowing providers to bill for time spent addressing patient-initiated messages over a week. Despite these changes, not all services come with a price tag. As per the Cleveland Clinic, any work taking under five minutes or any service that leads to an in-person consultation will not be charged. Furthermore, no fees apply to prescription refill requests, appointment requests, and follow-up care related to a surgery performed within the last 90 days. However, specific services can be billed. For instance, messages necessitating a clinical assessment, ordering a test […]

CMS released its new, updated, and deleted codes specific to Medicare payers at the end of 2022. The document also highlights payment information that will impact practices providing care to Medicare beneficiaries in 2023.