CODING AND BILLING

Coding and billing made simple.

Compliance with Medicare coding and billing regulations and guidance is necessary for all Medicare-certified providers, and doing so is often complex and detailed. Providers must maintain a comprehensive understanding of all applicable payment systems, such as the IPPS (Inpatient Prospective Payment System) and OPPS (Outpatient Prospective Payment System). Providers must also understand the nuances within the numerous fee schedules applied by Medicare, such as the MPFS (Medicare Physician Fee Schedule) and CLFS (Clinical Lab Fee Schedule).

At the heart of each of these systems and fee schedules, providers must understand and utilize coding mechanisms. In most outpatient settings, providers must utilize the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS, often pronounced by its acronym as “hick picks”). HCPCS is a set of health care procedure codes representing various items and services, and is based on the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT Codes).

In most inpatient settings, providers must utilize Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs). A DRG is a statistical system of classifying any inpatient stay into groups for the purposes of payment. The DRG classification system divides possible diagnoses into more than 20 major body systems and subdivides them into almost 500 groups for the purpose of Medicare reimbursement. [Similarly, Case Mix Groups (CMGs) are employed in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals or distinct units, while Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-III) are employed in Skilled Nursing Facilities.] In both in and outpatient settings, providers must employ diagnostic coding. Diagnostic coding is the translation of written descriptions of diseases, illnesses and injuries into codes from a particular classification.

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Are you prepared for coding and billing changes?

The federal government updates applicable billing and coding information (such as the fee schedules) at least annually, and providers must be prepared to embrace regulatory changes on an ongoing basis. For example, as of October 1, 2015, providers must have transitioned to the ICD-10 diagnostic coding system. As such, it is important for providers to maintain abreast of all recent coding and billing developments in order to ensure compliance and optimal reimbursement.

Furthermore, CMS recently expanded “bundled” payment programs. In October 2015, CMS announced more than 1,600 participants to its voluntary Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (BPCI) program. CMS thereafter implemented the mandatory Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, a “bundled” payment program for total hip/knee replacement beginning April 1, 2016. This program affects 67 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with 789 hospital participants. Providers must be aware of these ongoing and upcoming “bundled” payment programs, and assess the impact on their organizations.

Optimal Reimbursement

The coding consultants at Advis will provide your organization with understanding the necessary of this vast array of information, to ensure operational compliance and optimal reimbursement. Advis offers numerous services in this regard, including but not limited to comprehensive coding and billing audits and the provision of education and training for your staff.