Take the challenge. D—As of January 2015, there are three new codes added to the arthrocentesis codes of 20600–20611. The new codes, 20604, 20606 and 20611, should be reported when the procedure is performed with ultrasound guidance and CPT 76942 should not be billed separately. The three new codes are defined as: 20604—Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or…
New Physician Payment Reforms Highlight Need for Quality Coding, Accurate Documentation
To be an effective practice owner, it is necessary to understand the financial circumstances and environment of the practice’s operation. Well-managed practices prevent the loss of time and money. Therefore, to improve productivity and operating efficiencies, you need to have a basic understanding of billing and payment initiatives that will impact the practice’s bottom line….
Rheumatology Coding Corner Year-End Quiz Questions
A 38-year-old female patient returns to the practice for the second of three hyaluronate sodium injections of the left knee. The patient states the pain is somewhat better after her last injection. Her weight is 165 lbs., her height is 5 feet 6 inches, and her blood pressure is 120/81. After discussing the risks of…
6 Ways to Identify, Deal with Burnout in Rheumatology Fellowship
“Burnout? In rheumatology fellowship? You’re kidding me, right?” That was the response of one of my very good friends from residency who is now a cardiology fellow, when I told him that I was concerned that one of my co-fellows, at another institution, was on the verge of burning out. Stepping back, I could understand…
RISE Registry Promises to Improve Care & Research for Rheumatology
In 2014, the ACR launched the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE), a national electronic health record (EHR)-enabled registry. The goal: To help participating rheumatologists and practices leverage the new wave of big data created by the use of EHR, advance research and improve overall quality of care. A new analysis examines the RISE structure and the initial patient data collected by the registry…
3 Ways the ACR Helps Practices Thrive
The ACR can be the first line of defense for rheumatologists when it comes to compliance efforts, quality control and oversight of physician billing and coding practices, says ACR Director of Practice Management Antanya Chung, CPC, CPC-I, CRHC, CCP. The ACR is focused on providing the support its members want and need. “We want to…
Ultrasound for Underserved Patients
Beverly Johnson, MD, has experienced exactly how rheumatologists and their patients benefit from musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disease…
Telemedicine: One Rheumatologist’s Experience
Once the barriers to telemedicine are overcome, this modern approach to the practice of medicine solves patient access issues and increases physician productivity, says Daniel Albert, MD, a pediatric rheumatologist at the Center for Telehealth at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center…
Rheumatologists Should Discuss with Patients Use of Immunomodulatory Agents During Pregnancy
The decision to continue or discontinue immunomodulatory medications during pregnancy is a difficult one for both patients and physicians. On the one hand, when left untreated, rheumatic conditions can cause harm to an unborn child, as well as to the pregnant mother. On the other hand, medications can be harmful to a developing fetus. In…
Rheumatology Healthcare Team Member Descriptions Added to the ACR’s Website
A patient presents at her rheumatologist’s office for a visit and is greeted by a certified medical assistant (CMA), who obtains vital signs, gathers health information and updates pertinent information that may have changed since the prior visit. The CMA is one of many healthcare providers who may be involved in the care of rheumatology…
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- …
- 172
- Next Page »