ICD-10 on the Horizon, New ICD-9 Codes Here Now

With all the focus on ICD-10 in 2013, it’s easy to forget about ICD-9 code changes coming up in 2009. However, poor planning for October’s updates can lead to an avalanche of denied claims and a backlog of cash. Now is the time to educate coders and ensure your hospital information systems are prepared when 144 new ICD-9 diagnosis codes and 170 new E codes become effective October 1, 2009.

Specifically for interventional / cardiology coding there are 21 new sub classifications that describe venous embolism. Starting in October, clinicians will need to document not only the exact location of a venous embolism and thrombosis, but also whether it is “chronic” or “acute”.

For more information on all the ICD-9 changes, visit CMS.

Radiology Coding Tip: Post-processing for Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA)

The Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) recently posted information on the proper CPT coding of image post-processing for CTA procedures. The May/June 2009 issue of  ACR’s Radiology Coding Source contained additional information. HRS coding expert Stacy Gregory, CPC, CCC, RCC explains.

Following the deletion of CPT reconstruction code 76375, new codes should be used (76376 and 76377). These new codes have restricted the reporting of reconstruction imaging to 3D and now serve as the basis of defining angiographic reconstruction imaging. For CTA this includes maximum intensity pixel (MIP) reconstruction or shaded surface rendering imaging. Simple, multi-planar reconstruction imaging, 2D, should be bundled into the base procedure code and no longer qualifies as angiographic reconstruction for CPT coding purposes.

With regard to a permanent archive of 3D images acquired on a CTA study, the directive is clear. You need one! Reformatted images are part of the study and should be permanently archived in addition to the CT axial images. The axial data set alone is not enough.

HRS extends special thanks to Diane Hayek, RCC, Director, Government Relations and Economic Policy, RBMA, for her clarification on both of these items.

HRS Addresses Medical Necessity Denials at AHRA Annual Meeting

AHRA’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition will be held August 9 - 13 in the sunny and glitzy city of Las Vegas! More than 1,000 imaging leaders will attend this premier educational event with dozens of educational sessions addressing radiology communication and technology, finance, human resources and operations.

HRS is honored to be a presenter at this event, featuring HRS expert Marty Auster, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, with HRS Senior Manager Gerri Walk, RHIA, CCS-P. Together they will conduct a 90-minute educational session titled, “The Who, What, Why and When of Medical Necessity Denials.” The session will be held on Sunday, August 9th from 2:30 – 4PM and repeated on Monday, August 10th at the same time.

HRS’ presentation will review the most common reasons for denied claims due to missed medical necessity. Speakers will also provide practical advice and suggestions on reducing these denials.

You can also visit Dr. Auster in our booth on Monday, August 10th between 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Let us know if you’re coming.

Guthrie Health System Partners with HRS for Coding Services

For Guthrie, a multi-hospital health system in Sayre, Pennsylvania, the decision to outsource radiology coding was based on human resource and logistical issues between the radiology department, medical records and billing. By partnering with HRS, Guthrie found the required expertise in less time and at a lower cost than would be associated with hiring internal coders.

“Now our coding is more reliable and there is much more accountability within the radiology revenue cycle”, mentions Joe Sawyer, CRA, Radiology Service Line Administrator, Guthrie Health System.

Results

26% increase in interventional revenue.
More accurate coding and timely billing.
Ability to re-allocate resources, create efficiency.
Management dashboard of coding status.
Physician and facility coding centralized.

Read the entire Guthrie case study and learn more about outsourced coding services in a recent Imaging Economics article authored by HRS.