In medical practices documentation, billing, coding, compliance, and auditing have become buzzwords after ICD-10. Cardiology billing and coding is one of the most complex billing and coding procedures for billing experts and physicians. It comes with numerous process rules, continuous changing of codes, and contractual adjustments. Some of the challenging factors occurred while coding and billing are evolving technologies, diagnostic tests, electrophysiology, endovascular surgery, and others. These factors could impact the revenue cycle of physicians undoubtedly. In order to overcome the day to day cardiology billing and coding challenges, here are some tips that can be helpful to accelerate the revenue cycle.
Tips for Handling Cardiology Billing
Cardiology billing is a very complicated medical billing procedure and changes done by insurance payers in policies, and declaration of new regulations have made cardiology billing even more complicated. Let us discuss one by one tip for handling cardiology billing.
Proper Documentation
Improper documentation leads to impact negatively on the growth of the revenue cycle, which affects into decline in reimbursements. Additionally, poor documentation results in a coding discrepancy. The difference in documentation like participation of interventional cardiologist for processes such as routine cardiac checkups can cause loosing of code able elements and potential codes. This comprises supplies used, branch interventions against bifurcation interventions, and extra medications used out of the standard. Hence, thorough and proper documentation is required.
Know the combination codes
There are numerous combo codes available with ICD-10-CM, especially for cardiology coding. According to the condition of the patient proper combination code require to be utilized. Knowing the combination codes is a must for a cardiology billing expert. Following are a few instructions for cardiology coding, like
- Code also or Code first
- Usage of extra codes
- Keep yourself upgraded on Cardiology Coding
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) changes periodically. Therefore, knowledge of updated codes is necessary for billing experts. For instance, CMS approved billing code that simplifies Medicare billing.
Adoption of Electronic medical records (EMRs)
Adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs) are acknowledged for their efficiency. In order to have proficiency in cardiology billing services, EMRs and EHRs practice is necessary. Moreover, it saves time as well as reduces operational cost and increases productivity. One should upgrade their billing system with ICD-10 for accurate code selection and actual time code upgrade.
Tips for Handling Cardiology Coding
As mentioned above, cardiology billing and coding are complex billing processes. As far as cardiology coding is concerned, it needed an experienced professional for correct code interventional procedures like computerized tomographic angiography (CCTA), cardiac catheterization laboratory, and electrophysiology. Both cardiology billing and coding have challenges, here are some tips for handling cardiology coding lets us start discussing one by one.
Reduce Human Error
Mistakes while entering codes is very often especially when handling up to 7 letters and number per code. Entering wrong code when handling with different codes with critical patients and processes results in mistakes. Crosschecking or double-checking of codes is crucial even you handle internally or outsource your billing. As soon as you become familiar with CPT and ICD-10 codes you shall learn frequently used codes and rapid entry of codes into the system. The improper entry of codes into the system can affect reimbursement; therefore, reduction of human errors is imperative.
Audit periodically
Time to time external as well as internal audits is done to keep an eye on basic documentation and coding errors. Furthermore, it points towards requirement for extra education and training for staff.
Transparency in communication should remain between billers, nurses, physicians, CDI, and coders. This will offer opportunities for questions concerning supplies used, procedures, diagnosis, and others to appropriately mirror the acuteness and care of the patient. Retaining present education, using better coding exercises, and documenting correctly will result in increased compliance, rapid return in the revenue cycle, and reduce external audits. Periodic audits will make sure proper documentation and reimbursement.
