When I audit a spine chart, I am answering one question. Does the documentation in front of me support the level that was reported? I am not deciding what level the visit should have been, and I am not filling in what the physician probably meant. Spine makes that harder than most specialties. The clinical … Read more
Posterior column osteotomies performed during scoliosis correction frequently generate a coding question that is easy to answer incorrectly. When a surgeon removes lamina, ligamentum flavum, and portions of the facets to mobilize a rigid curve, the operative note can resemble a decompression. The controlling guidance in this area is the December 2021 CPT® Assistant, “Reviewing … Read more
In healthcare, few environments move as quickly as trauma and urgent care settings. Patients arrive with a wide range of conditions from minor injuries and acute illnesses to life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate intervention. In these critical moments, success depends on more than clinical expertise alone. It requires seamless coordination, clear communication, and a well-prepared team … Read more
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment for one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women. Beyond oncologic management, plastic and reconstructive surgery plays a critical role in restoring form, function, and quality of life for breast cancer patients. The Intersection of … Read more
Medical coding is a career built on precision, accountability, and continuous learning. In today’s healthcare industry, still it’s easy to lose sight of what true professionalism looks like in our field. Let’s set the record straight. This Career Requires Investment Medical coding is not a shortcut to a remote job or a fallback career. It … Read more
When a patient undergoes surgery with a 90-day global period, the timeline includes the day before surgery, the day of surgery, and the 90 days following the procedure. This creates 92 days within which the global surgical package applies. For example, if surgery is performed on March 3rd, the global period would begin on March … Read more