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
Debridement is the surgical removal of foreign material and necrotic or infected tissue from or near a traumatic or infected wound, exposing surrounding healthy tissue to promote healing. The instruments utilized for debridement range from maggots, lasers, and ultrasound to forceps, scissors, scalpels, and other sharp tools capable of selectively removing nonviable tissue. There are … Read more
Basic of Incision and Drainage (I&D) CPT code Procedures Accurate code selection for Incision and Drainage (I&D) procedures is essential for proper reimbursement. I&D is a common surgical intervention used to treat infections such as abscesses, cysts, and boils. This procedure involves making an incision in the affected area to allow the drainage of infected … Read more
Basics of CPT code 90832-90838 & CPT code 90846-90847 Selecting the appropriate code for pediatric psychotherapy requires consideration of both the duration of the session and the participants involved. Coding can become particularly complex when parents are involved in therapy, necessitating a distinction between family-based psychotherapy (CPT code 90846, 90847) and individual therapy (CPT code … Read more
Basics of CPT Code 98004, 98005, 98006, 98007 Since we are having new CPT codes for Established patient for Synchronous audio-video visit in 2025, we should be knowing the coding guidelines for these codes. Time is one the key factor to choose the correct code between CPT Code 98004, 98005, 98006, 98007. Below is the … Read more
Basics of CPT Code 98000, 98001, 98002, 98003 We have entered into 2025 and we have many new CPT codes to use in this year. Synchronous audio-video visit codes are added this year and are based on New and Established patient. Also the time plays an important factor to choose the correct CPT code. Below … Read more
The 2025 CPT code set introduces new codes for synchronous audio-only and audio-video visits between patients and physicians or other qualified healthcare professionals (QHPs). These telemedicine services, which involve real-time communication between the patient and provider, are designed for non-face-to-face encounters and are used when appropriate for patient care, with the patient or their family/caregiver … Read more
Understanding the Complexities of Billing for Diabetes Medications Complexity of Diabetes Coding: Diabetes coding is complex due to several factors: Type of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, etc.) Etiology of secondary diabetes Diabetic complications Diabetes control status (stable, uncontrolled, progressing, etc.) Medications or insulin treatments, including use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Key … Read more
Key Terms: Sleeve Lobectomy VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) Lobectomy Lingulectomy Indications / Associated Pathology: Benign Tumor Emphysema Fungal Infection Lung Abscess Lung Cancer Tuberculosis Description: The right lung consists of three lobes: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The left lung has two lobes: Upper and Lower, as it shares space with the heart. The Upper … Read more
Indications / Associated Pathologies: Congenital Anomaly Neck Trauma Respiratory Failure Subcutaneous Emphysema Upper Airway Edema, Foreign Body, or Obstruction Description: Tracheostomy involves creating a stoma (surgical opening) in the neck to bypass the cervical trachea and/or oropharynx, allowing air to pass directly to the distal trachea for respiration. It may be performed on patients requiring … Read more
Key Terms: Decompressive Foraminectomy Foraminal Decompression Indications / Associated Pathologies: Degenerative Joint Disease Spinal Radiculopathy Spinal Myelopathy Spinal Stenosis Synovial Cyst Description: Spinal stenosis may result from degenerative osteoarthritis, osteophyte or bone spur formation, or ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Decompressive laminectomy involves removing the lamina and enlarging the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal … Read more