The FDA recently conducted an inspection of the only manufacturer that had FDA approval to import quinacrine. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not pass inspection and was put on an import alert. This effectively shuts down any importation of quinacrine to the U.S. until the manufacturer goes through the necessary steps to be re-inspected or until…
Articles by From the College
Possible MIPS Errors in 2019 Payment Adjustment
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) discovered an error in the implementation of the 2019 Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) payment adjustment. It incorrectly applies adjustments to payments for Medicare Part B drugs and other non-physician services billed by physicians. Adjustments to affected claims will occur in the near future. According to the…
Update & Changes to the OIG Work Plan
Early last fall, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released its OIG Work Plan for fiscal year 2018–2019, which is a two-year framework for the audits, inspections, evaluations and investigative activities planned in support of its vision, mission, and strategic goals and objectives to maintain HHS program integrity….
Rheumatology Board Certification: Exploring Change
The ACR has been engaged in a measured, inclusive process with rheumatologists to determine if rheumatology board certification should move from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), which would become a new, combined board of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology. “As ACR leaders have traveled around…
Coding Corner Answers: Billing for Joint Injection within a Series
Take the challenge. CPT: 20611-LT, J7325-EJ ICD-10: M17.12, E66.01, Z68.41 Coding/Billing Rationale No evaluation and management (E/M) code was added because there was no significant and/or separate identifiable reason for an E/M service to be billed with this scheduled visit for her series of injections. The joint injection was billed with ultrasound guidance due to…
Coding Corner Question: Billing for Joint Injection within a Series
A 68-year-old female Medicare patient with a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis of the left knee returns to a practice for her third injection in a series of knee injections. She reports being able to resume her after-dinner walks, which last for 30–40 minutes at least twice weekly. She denies fevers or any rashes. She has…
The Rheumatology Research Foundation Honors 153 Award Recipients
CHICAGO—In October, the Rheumatology Research Foundation recognized 153 award and scholarship recipients at an awards luncheon, held in conjunction with the 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. The annual event celebrates the accomplishments of rheumatology professionals who have received funding from the Foundation. In congratulating the award recipients, Foundation President Abby Abelson, MD, emphasized the impact the…
Reminder: How to Handle Part D Prior Authorization Requests
Note: Although originally posted in January 2018, the advice below remains valid. We see this issue recur each year. As we begin another new year, many rheumatology practices will again receive prior authorization requests from Medicare Part D for all methotrexate prescriptions. When methotrexate is used as a chemotherapeutic drug, it’s covered by Part B,…
Coding Corner Answers: Rheumatology Word Search
Take the challenge. Ultrasound guidance: There must be a permanent picture placed in the patient’s medical chart to meet the requirements of documentation guidelines. Arthrocentesis: This is the proper term for the withdrawal of fluid and/or injection of medication into a joint. If both the aspiration and injection are performed during the same encounter, only…
Coding Corner Questions: Rheumatology Word Search
Find the words/terms suggested by the following clues: What is the procedure conducted when a permanent picture is required for a joint injection? What is another name for a joint injection? What should be done when a patient returns for an infusion and a prior authorization has already been approved? On what body system is…
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- …
- 94
- Next Page »