Resources Can Help Answer Coding Questions
By Sheri Porter
12/16/2005
Here are some practical tips you can employ to help you fight the coding battle.
- Take advantage of the Academy's practice management course.
- Read coding articles published regularly in Family Practice Management.
- Stay abreast of Medicare coding edits by checking Medicare bulletins such as Medlearn Matters.
- Better yet, arrange to have update notices sent to you by e-mail.
- Send office staff responsible for billing to educational courses on coding at least yearly.
- Hire a certified professional coder if your practice can afford one. The income generated by accurate coding might more than pay for the extra salary.
Coding inaccuracies go beyond CPT codes; supplies and drugs also are a source of lost revenue in many medical offices, said Robin Linker, C.P.C., a former practice administrator. "Physicians need to develop a tracking mechanism for supplies walking out their doors," she said.
Consider creating a supply form to use in conjunction with the patient encounter form. Circle supplies given to the patient at the visit, such as a soft cervical collar or a splint, and send both forms to checkout with the patient. Also, make sure drugs administered in the office are correctly coded, said Linker. The dose administered may be higher than the dose coded by staff.
Consider creating a supply form to use in conjunction with the patient encounter form. Circle supplies given to the patient at the visit, such as a soft cervical collar or a splint, and send both forms to checkout with the patient. Also, make sure drugs administered in the office are correctly coded, said Linker. The dose administered may be higher than the dose coded by staff.
