Learn How to Code
Today I am going to share some important information for getting FREE CEUs for AAPC and AHIMA certified medical coders. Yes, CEUs are very important at the end of the year to retain your certification from AAPC and AHIMA. If you do not submit CEUs on time, you certification can be cancelled or discontinued. So … Read more
Get ready for some thrilling updates! The ICD-10-CM code set has just been revamped for fiscal year (FY) 2025, and the new changes are live on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website as of July 3. These 2025 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used for resident stays occurring from October 1, 2024, … Read more
For the 2025 edition of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set, several revisions in radiology codes have been proposed. These updates include the introduction of new codes for reporting various procedures such as MRI-monitored transurethral ultrasound ablation of the prostate (TULSA), transcranial Doppler studies, percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the thyroid, fascial plane blocks, … Read more
Introduction: The major revisions to the coding guidelines for office/other outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) visits (CPT codes 99202-99205 and 99211-99215) were implemented nearly four years ago. While these updates aimed to streamline the coding process, practices continue to encounter challenges in documentation and reporting. Such confusion can lead to improper coding and potential financial … Read more
Basics of Baclofen Pump Insertion Key Terms: Intrathecal Pump Insertion Trial Intrathecal Catheter Insertion Indications / Associated Pathologies: Baclofen pumps are used to treat muscle spasticity caused by conditions such as: Cerebral Palsy Multiple Sclerosis Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury Description: The intrathecal Baclofen pump system is designed to treat moderate to severe … Read more
Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) and Intracranial Responsive Neurostimulator (RNS) Lead Insertion Key Terms: DBS Lead(s) RNS Lead(s) Indications and Associated Pathology: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) are used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including: Localization-related (focal) (partial) idiopathic or symptomatic epilepsy Essential tremor Intractable dystonias Meige syndrome Multiple sclerosis Obsessive-compulsive … Read more
When deciding whether to perform an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) in conjunction with an Evaluation and Management (E/M) office visit or as two separate appointments, healthcare providers need to weigh several factors. Each approach has distinct advantages and challenges for both the patient and the provider. 1. Pros of Combining the AWV and E/M Visits … Read more
When coding office or outpatient visits based on time, it is essential to consider the total minutes a physician or qualified healthcare professional spends on various activities, including time spent updating the patient’s medical record. These activities must take place on the same calendar date as the face-to-face encounter. Key Points about Time-Based Coding: Time-based … Read more
Basics of 2025 Telemedicine Codes The 2025 CPT manual introduces 16 new telemedicine codes designed for real-time encounters, which are divided into those conducted via synchronous audio-video connection and audio-only connection. These codes mirror the structure of office and outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) codes. It is essential to note that the services must be … Read more
Researchers have dedicated decades to advancing treatments for individuals diagnosed with malignant neoplasms, commonly referred to as cancer. Their efforts have yielded significant progress, as evidenced by the increasing number of patients diagnosed with this formidable disease who are living longer, healthier lives. In 2025, further proof of these advancements will be seen with the … Read more
Procedure: Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy right breast at 2 sites, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy left axillary lymph node, right diagnostic mammogram HISTORY: 33-year-old woman presents with history of a 25 mm mass of the right breast 10 o’clock position, 7 cm from nipple (site A), 5 mm mass of the right breast 9 o’clock position, … Read more
Basics of CPT code 93886 CPT Code 93886 is Transcranial Doppler study of Intracranial arteries; complete study. It requires bilateral insonation and waveforms from all major vessels with the cranium through the Temporal acoustic window. These vessels include the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA), Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA), and Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA). The Posterior window … Read more
The 2025 expansion of CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes is poised to bring significant changes to primary care practices, with the introduction of 270 new codes, 38 revisions, and 112 deletions. These updates, effective January 1, 2025, are crucial for providers to review in advance to ensure timely reimbursement. On September 1, the American Medical … Read more