Understanding Independent Interpretation in E/M Coding: Three Essential Requirements Shannon O. DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CEMA, CPA-EDU October 4, 2024 In the realm of Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding, independent interpretation is an often misunderstood component of the Medical Decision Making (MDM) table. Proper documentation of independent interpretation is required to impact the MDM and, consequently,…
Here’s Your Sign… Shannon O. DeConda, CPC, CPMA, CEMA, CPA-EDU August 30, 2024 I recently visited a new provider’s office and noticed two prominent signs posted everywhere—one about a $100 no-show fee and another offering B-12 shots for cash. Surprisingly, the compliance issue isn’t with the no-show fee but with the B-12 cash service. Let’s…
Preventative Testing – Unique Risk Stories – Listening to your patients By Jill Young CEMC, CPC, CEDC, CIMC September 27, 2024 I am going to tell you a story about my family and their journey with Preventive Testing and colon cancer. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and some facts may have been…
Getting it right: HCC in Primary Care Rhonda Buckholtz CPC, CPMA, CDEO, CRC, CHC, COPC September 20, 2024 Many of us have a love/hate relationship depending on your role in healthcare. From a provider standpoint, most often we think of these as an administrative burden with no upside. However, a shift in thinking is needed…
The Well Woman Exam Crystal Tompkins CDEO, CPMA, CPC, CRC, COBGC, and Educator and Auditor September 13, 2024 I will never forget the wonder of being asked to write an article for NAMAS. The nerd in me was ecstatic, and the auditor/coder in me was completely in shock. After that feeling subsided, reality quickly set…
Safeguarding Medical Necessity in Non-face-to-face Exchanges Anna McGregor CLP, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CPA-RA, CEMC, CEMA September 6, 2024 Has there been a moment when auditing an encounter when one wondered if this service was necessary because a reasonable indication for medical services was not identified? Should medical necessity be identified as the appropriateness of a non-face-to-face…
July 5, 2024 By: Mary A Curry, BS, CPC, CPMA Auditing the Global Package When auditing provider services, what is the best method to approach the concept of a global package? Some rental companies provide a renter with all-inclusive pricing for an apartment. The payment arrangement covers heating, electricity, water, and garbage for the…
March 29, 2024 | By: Teresa Schrage, RDCS, RVT, CPC, CPMA Reporting an E/M with separately reported services continues to be a topic of discussion amongst coders, auditors, and providers. First, let’s review what a significant, separately reported E/M is and what identifies the service. An E/M is significant and separately identifiable from a procedure/service…
April 19, 2024 | By: Beth Schleeper, COC, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CPC-I, CEMC, CANPC, CEMA, CMCS, CMRS AHHHHHCHHOOO! The sound of Spring and Allergies is in the air. If you are like many of us, you have these pesky critters year-round. So how do we report for the services and supplies?…
May 10, 2024 | By: LaDonna D. Brown CPC, CPMA, CEMA When I was asked if I would like to be a contributor to NAMAS May articles, my first thought was absolutely. This is particularly timely as May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial period for coders and auditors to reflect on the importance…