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CE Articles
2018 brings CPT updates to cardiology, laboratory, and Category III codes

Updates to the 2018 CPT Manual particularly effect coding for cardiovascular and laboratory procedures. Stay-up-to-date with these changes and take time to understand complex procedures to prevent interruptions to claims processing.

Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription. 
ICD-10-CM coding for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents
Approximately 2%-3% of children between the ages of 6 and 12, and 6%-8% of adolescents in the U.S. may have serious depression. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA, details common symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescence and provides advice for diagnostic coding of these conditions. 
New codes and payment models require additional focus on guidelines and guidance
New ICD-10-CM/PCS codes provide additional specificity to describe the condition of and care afforded to a given patient. This article takes a closer look at these code updates as well as guidelines for reporting codes under new payment models. 
Healthcare News: CERT report reveals a Medicare FFS improper payment rate of 9.5%
Medicare fee-for-service claims had a 90.5% accuracy rate and a 9.5% improper payment rate for all claims submitted between July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016, according to a recent CMS Comprehensive Error Rate Testing report.
Q&A: CPT codes for compression dressings
Q: What should we report if you have a compression dressing that was applied to the thigh, in addition to the lower leg, since CPT code 29582 (multi-level compression bandage application, thigh to foot) was deleted for 2018?  
 

New on JustCoding.com

New on JustCoding Platinum!       

Platinum members can access an on-demand version of the 90-minute HCPro webinar “Improve Documentation and Coding for Injections and Infusions” with Jugna Shah, MPH, and Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA.

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Free quiz

Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features CPT codes for surgery of the pelvis and hip joint.

Mini poll

Which 2018 codes are you most concerned about so far?

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Provide your input on a future product!

JustCoding is researching online editions of its CPT and ICD-10-PCS Clinical Scenario Workbooks. Please click here to provide feedback on a potential online, interactive version of these products. 

JustCoding ‘Meet a Member’

To help bring JustCoding members together and let them learn more about their colleagues, JustCoding is launching a monthly “Meet a Member” spotlight to appear in upcoming issues. The JustCoding team loves hearing members’ stories, including major triumphs and challenges, and sharing them with the larger JustCoding membership. As a coder, this is your chance to share your story, experiences, tips, or advice with thousands of JustCoding members. If chosen, your spotlight will appear in an upcoming issue.

JustCoding is currently searching for more members to feature in this section. If you’d like to share your coding story, please email associate editor Sarah Gould at sgould@hcpro.com.
 

SelectCoder Tip of the Week

Codes for fixation (external, internal, skeletal) are reported only when the fixation is not a part of the fracture code's description. Code 27508 (closed treatment of femoral fracture, distal end, medial or lateral condyle, without manipulation) does not have fixation listed in its core description; therefore, if external fixation is performed, e.g., 20690-20692, it is reported separately.

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Platinum Newsletters

Platinum members can view the latest stories from Briefings on APCs and Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies. 
 

Product Spotlight

JustCoding’s Clinical Scenario Workbook: 2018 CPT® Edition 

This workbook provides an opportunity for coders to practice and refine their skills in a hands-on way by using a wide range of real-life case scenarios. Coders will determine the correct CPT and ICD-10-CM codes to report for each case scenario based on provided documentation, evidence of sufficient medical necessity, and any conditions present that would allow for Hierarchical Condition Category capture. For more information or to order, call 800-650-6787 or visit the HCPro Healthcare Marketplace.
 

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Editor
JustCoding News: Outpatient
editor@justcoding.com


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