The human body is both an intricate and complex system – where each part and organ works in co-relation with the other. Medical coding and billing, though not as intricate and complex as the human body, still requires each component to work in co-relation with the other. Although coding and billing for any service/process can be tedious, cardiology billing and coding is more so.
Cardiology Billing Issues
The medical field is evolving at a rapid pace – new technologies and treatment protocols combined with changes and additions to CCC and ICD-10C-CM codes makes cardiology billing an extremely complex and daunting task. With multiple billing codes, you need to be well prepared to accurately code procedures like CCTA (computerized tomographic angiography), electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization laboratory, to name a few.
A large number of cardiology billing claims being denied or delayed points to a lack of training or experience of the coders and billers. Along with a thorough knowledge of the cardio coding guidelines, it is important to understand the impact of procedures and diagnostic coding. This is crucial when incorporating the latest changes during the coding process.
While the application of one or more of the rules governing multiple procedures in cardiology billing and coding is critical, it is also important that your claims should not be under or over coded. Miscoding will lead to denied claims, subsequent appeals, and delayed reimbursements.
Cardiology Coding Tips
The following tips will help you keep your cardiology coding and billing error free and complete.
- Always double check the entered codes – with 7 numbers and letters per code, dealing with multiple codes with complex patients and procedures, it is easy to enter them incorrectly.
- Keep yourself updated on the current codes and procedures.
- Ensure that your cardiology documentation is complete. Complete and accurate documentation results in fewer errors in translation and coding.
- To ensure that risk-adjusted outcomes accurately reflect the quality of care delivered, chart all relevant comorbid and chronic diseases.
- Document the diagnosis rather than the symptom, where appropriate.
- Always audit your bills before sending it to the payers to ensure correct reimbursement and documentation.
Why MedConverge
Would you allow an ENT specialist to treat a patient suffering from cardiac problem? We think not. Just as it is important that each problem with the human body is treated by the relevant specialist, it is equally important that your medical coding and billing is taken care of by the relevant specialists. MedConverge employs certified, highly trained and experienced coders and billers for you cardiology coding and billing.
Our certified cardiology coders have the requisite experience to:
- Read and understand physician office notes and operative notes to apply correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II and modifier coding assignments.
- Evaluate and manage the 1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines.
- Understand and apply the rules and regulations of Medicare billing including shared visits, consultations and global surgery.
- Apply correct coding of surgical procedures performed by cardiologists such as heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemakers, peripheral vascular procedures, etc.
In short, our coders and billers are specialists to take care of your cardiology coding and billing requirements. For more information on our specialty billing services, visit us at https://www.medconverge.com/cardiologybilling/ or write to us at info@medconverge.com or call us on (800) 811-2103 x11.
References
- 2017 Cardiology Reimbursement Coding Fact Sheet. (2017). Retrieved October 19, 2018, from www.cordis.com: https://www.cordis.com/content/dam/cordis/web/documents/literature/cordis-us-cardiology-reimbursement-sheet.pdf
- Coding and Reimbursement. (2018). Retrieved October 19, 2018, from www.acc.org: https://www.acc.org/tools-and-practice-support/practice-solutions/coding-and-reimbursement
- Prepare Your Cardiology Practice for Key 2018 Coding and Billing Changes. (2018). Retrieved October 19, 2018, from www.codingbooks.com: http://www.codingbooks.com/ympda120617
