Abdominal Trauma Coding Essentials

Abdominal trauma—whether from blunt-force impacts or penetrating injuries—often necessitates urgent surgical intervention. For coding professionals, these cases present distinct challenges: you must accurately capture exploratory procedures, organ repairs, wound closures, and any follow-up interventions. Below, we break down the critical CPT® codes, NCCI bundling rules, and best practices to ensure precise, compliant documentation. Core Procedures … Read more

Men’s Health in Focus: Coding Excellence for Urologic Care

Urology combines diagnostic precision with therapeutic expertise to address disorders of the urinary and male reproductive systems. Accurate CPT® coding and strict adherence to Medicare’s National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) bundling rules are essential to secure compliant reimbursement and to reflect the true complexity of care delivered. The following sections examine five high-volume urologic interventions—bladder … Read more

Mastering ICD-10-CM Coding Guidelines for Smooth Claims

Precise diagnosis coding forms the foundation of compliant billing and efficient revenue cycle management. Core ICD-10-CM guidelines—like Excludes 1 vs. Excludes 2, acute-before-chronic sequencing, and etiology-before-manifestation conventions—are not optional; they’re built into payer edits and policies. When coders master these rules, claims flow smoothly. Administrators support ongoing education. Physicians chart with coding in mind. Denials … Read more

What’s Coming Down the Pike: FY 2026 Proposed ICD‑10 Codes

Every spring CMS drops a new batch of proposed ICD‑10‑CM/PCS changes inside the IPPS rule. The FY 2026 packet (released April 11, 2025) is a whopper: Clinicians, coders, and revenue‑cycle pros have until June 10, 2025 to weigh in before CMS locks everything for the October go‑live. Diagnosis Codes You’ll Actually Use Hot Topic Why It Matters Proposed Code(s) Type 2 Diabetes in Remission Finally … Read more

Celebrating Public Health Week: Spotlight on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Their Impact on Coding

As we approach Public Health Week, it’s crucial to understand the role Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) play in shaping health outcomes. These factors—such as housing, income, and social support—affect how individuals experience health, yet they often go undocumented in clinical care. In this post, we’ll explore the significance of SDOH coding, how it affects … Read more

Specialty Spotlight: Celebrate the Work of Pathologists

This April, we shine a spotlight on pathologists and the vital role they play in healthcare. As we dive into the intersection of billing, coding, and pathology, we’ll explore how precision in coding directly supports diagnostic excellence and ensures accurate reimbursement for the services provided by pathology teams. Here’s what we’ll cover: The Role of … Read more

Credentialing Your Urgent Care Facility: What You Need to Know

Starting an urgent care facility is an exciting venture, but one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is the credentialing process. It’s a crucial part of ensuring your practice gets paid for the services you provide and meets all regulatory requirements. Whether you’re credentialing your facility or your providers, it’s important to understand the steps … Read more

Understanding the 60-Day Rule: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant

The CMS 60-day rule mandates that healthcare providers must return Medicare overpayments within 60 days of identification. Ignoring this can lead to serious legal consequences, including violations of the False Claims Act, hefty fines, and potential lawsuits. Regular audits, documentation, training, and consulting experts can help mitigate these risks.

What the New Telehealth Bill Means for Patients and Providers

In an important update to support telehealth services, Congress has extended several telehealth flexibilities in H.R. 1968 – the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. These changes ensure that critical healthcare services remain accessible during a time when many Americans rely on remote care. In this post, we break down the key updates and what … Read more

“Fast Food” Coding: The Hidden Risks in Oncology Billing

There are a lot of moving parts in the field of oncology, where precise medical coding is crucial not only for appropriate reimbursement but also for maintaining accurate patient records, which influence treatment decisions and insurance approvals. Neglecting the continuous education of your coding team can lead to significant errors, often stemming from a “fast … Read more