From the College, Author at The Rheumatologist

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Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Level 3 Visit with Primary Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

From the College | September 15, 2015

CPT codes: 99213 Diagnosis Codes: ICD-9: 715.15, 278.01 ICD-10: M16.12, E66.01, Z68.41 This encounter is coded as 99213 as follows: History—The history of present illness was extended. The review of systems was comprehensive, and no past family social history was documented. This makes the history level expanded problem focused. Examination—There were eight systems examined. This…

ACR Seeks Members’ Help to Boost AMA Representation

From the College | September 15, 2015

Rheumatologists who have not been members of the American Medical Association (AMA), or have let their membership lapse, should strongly consider joining now for 2015 so rheumatology can remain involved in steering the direction of the AMA. Call the AMA at 800-262-3211 and specify that you want to join for 2015, or contact ACR staff…

Physician Practice Managers, Administrators Should Lead Organizational Governance

From the College | August 17, 2015

All practices share a basic need for infrastructure and governance, because this has direct implications on success. Regardless of the type of practice or location, there should be processes in place to monitor the execution of the entire business operation. Although not everyone in the practice will need to be proficient in this area, it’s…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Office Visit for Chronic Idiopathic Gout

From the College | August 17, 2015

CPT code: 99214 Diagnosis: ICD-9 274.02 **ICD-10: M1A.0720 History—The history of present illness was extended. The review of systems was extended (six systems were reviewed), and two of the three elements for past family social history were documented. This makes the history level detailed. Examination—Three systems were examined. This makes the exam expanded problem focused….

Congress’ District Workweeks in August Prime Time for Rheumatology Advocacy

From the College | August 17, 2015

Each year in August, lawmakers return home for the summer recess and convene district workweeks. That means you have the opportunity to meet with members in their local offices, attend fund-raisers nearby or participate in a town hall. This is where our strength as a membership organization can benefit us most. We have real physicians…

2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Session & Study Group Proposals Welcome

From the College | August 17, 2015

Turn your great idea into a great meeting! Submit your session or study group proposal for the 2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, to be held Nov. 11–16, 2016, in Washington, D.C. We are looking for ideas that reflect clinical innovation and cutting-edge research, convey best practices, present evidence-based medicine and stimulate discussion to challenge mindsets. When developing your…

Rheumatology Research Foundation Funds Advance Investigator’s Career

From the College | August 17, 2015

William Robinson, MD, PhD, first became interested in rheumatology in medical school when he started working with a rheumatologist, as well as several other rheumatology mentors. After completing his residency, he joined the rheumatology fellowship program at Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, Calif., where he earned support for his research from the Rheumatology Research…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Question: Office Visit for Chronic Idiopathic Gout

From the College | August 17, 2015

Follow-up Visit with Time A 62-year-old male patient returns to the office for a follow-up visit for chronic idiopathic gout without tophi. The patient’s present uric acid level is 4.0, and he is now taking allopurinol 450 mg per day. Previously, he was taken off indapamide due to an increase in his uric acid. He…

Get Ready to Implement ICD-10 Medical Coding

From the College | July 14, 2015

Full implementation of ICD-10 will go live on Oct. 1, 2015, and congressional leaders have confirmed there will be no further delays. The transition to ICD-10 is not just a simple update; it is a major revamping of diagnosis coding. With the complexity of coding using the ICD-10 system and the high risk of disruptions…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Question: Sacroiliac Injection with Office Visit

From the College | July 13, 2015

Coding for SI Injections with Office Visit A female patient previously diagnosed with sacroiliitis and ankylosing spondylitis returns to the office for a follow-up visit. The patient reports her lower back has been stiff and swollen for the past couple of weeks. She is currently on celecoxib and ranitidine, and mentions that she had some…