It is vital for rheumatology practices to understand the risk areas in documentation and coding to avoid unnecessary audits, penalties, and fines. Compliance policies and procedures should be in place to address coding and billing issues, quality assurance, and medical necessity in 2014 and beyond. A practice’s best line of defense lies in regular training sessions on documentation guidelines, whether performed internally or through an outside entity.
Compliance measures on supporting documentation for all services rendered and level of office visit billed to insurance carriers are explained in the ACR’s Rheumatology Coding Manual, which can be downloaded at www.rheu matology.org/publications/Practice_Management_Publications_(Mem bers_Only)/. Education on coding and billing guidelines is a significant piece of the puzzle for a financially sound and efficient practice. More information on auditing and documentation guidelines can be located on the ACR website at www.rheumatology.org/practice.
We are here for you! The ACR is the premier educational resource for rheumatology practices. The practice management department provides up-to-date information on the state of practice management, including insurance trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to run an effective and efficient practice in today’s tumultuous environment.
Visit the ACR website, www.rheumatology.org/practice, for ICD-10 workshops, as well as an array of practice management tools. For questions or additional information on coding and billing, contact Melesia Tillman, CPC, CHA, CRHC, at [email protected] or 404-633-3777, ext. 820. For questions on practice management and insurance issues, contact Antanya Chung at [email protected] or 404-633-3777, ext. 818.
