By Aimee Wilcox, MA, CST, CCS-P If you've ever taken piano lessons, you know that the thumb is considered the first finger of the hand. However, when you are coding an x-ray of the thumb, you will find that this is considered part of the hand and not a finger. Let's look at the three codes we will be reviewing: • Code 73140 – Radiologic examination, finger(s), minimum of … [Read more...] about Codes for radiographs of the thumb
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13 steps to prevent bloodborne infection and liability
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens: A 13 step compliance game plan Protecting employees from bloodborne infection isn’t just a medical imperative but a legal one under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules. In case you don’t have the time or inclination to read the entire OSHA regulation, here’s an explanation of what it requires and a 13-step game plan for … [Read more...] about 13 steps to prevent bloodborne infection and liability
A clearinghouse isn’t the answer to ICD-10
Getting ready for ICD-10-CM Don’t plan to rely on a clearinghouse to get the office through ICD-10-CM. Clearinghouses can provide a lot of help, the government says, but not the same level of support they provided for the Version 5010 upgrade. The reason is that ICD-10 is based on clinical documentation, and the coding requires medical knowledge as well as familiarity with … [Read more...] about A clearinghouse isn’t the answer to ICD-10
Will you be ready for the big ICD-10 changeover?
The deadline for the changeover to ICD-10 is quickly approaching. Your medical office needs to be ready to make the switch to the new code version by Oct.1, 2015. On that date, the ICD-9 code sets used to report medical diagnoses and inpatient procedures will be replaced by ICD-10 code sets. The transition to ICD-10 is required for everyone covered by the Health Insurance … [Read more...] about Will you be ready for the big ICD-10 changeover?
How to use social media to market your practice
Social media marketing is hot hot hot. But how do you use it like the cool kids in order to market your practice? Start at the top. The top three networking sites, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offer opportunities for spreading the word about the practice’s offerings and expertise. Network for business LinkedIn, the leading business network, is nonetheless social. … [Read more...] about How to use social media to market your practice
Are your business associate agreements up to date with the latest HIPAA requirements?
The Omnibus Final rule implementing HITECH made some changes affecting Business Associate (BA) agreements. While Sept. 23 was the compliance deadline for most obligations under the Final Rule, some agreements enjoy a grace period and may not need to be updated until September 2014. But you should take the opportunity now to make sure you haven’t overlooked any issues concerning … [Read more...] about Are your business associate agreements up to date with the latest HIPAA requirements?
Subluxation of radial head – “nursemaid’s elbow”
By Aimee Wilcox, MA, CST, CCS-P Subluxation is an injury caused when the normal position of a joint (or other part of the body) is partially or incompletely dislocated. Subluxation can be caused by injuries and impact to the joint or from instability of the joint due to laxed muscles, tendons, or ligaments that usually support or hold the joint in place. Subluxation is an … [Read more...] about Subluxation of radial head – “nursemaid’s elbow”
Why you need an employee social networking policy to help protect your practice
THIS STORY WILL HELP YOU … Prevent employee blogging, texting, emailing and other social networking abuse At least some of your employees are into blogging, tweeting, Facebook and other social networking. What employees do with their free time is their own business. Or is it? What about employees who social network during work time? And how about employees whose blogs, tweets … [Read more...] about Why you need an employee social networking policy to help protect your practice
Changes in facet joint coding affect your bottom line
By Aimee Wilcox, MA, CST, CCS-P If you work in pain management, anesthesia or interventional radiology, you are probably keenly aware of the changes that have occurred over the past three years with facet joint injection coding and its effect on your bottom line. What is a facet joint injection? A facet joint injection is a diagnostic procedure used to determine if the … [Read more...] about Changes in facet joint coding affect your bottom line
Coding for newborns in the US and the UK
By Therese M. Jorwic, MPH, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P Oyez! Oyez! The firstborn of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is had the new Prince George been born in the U.S., he would have been V30.00. That’s because we’re still using the ICD-9 codes while Great Britain has already moved to the international version of ICD-10. But Z38.0 or V30.00, it’s the best a … [Read more...] about Coding for newborns in the US and the UK