What is Telemedicine? Difference, Benefits, Reimbursement
Telemedicine started in the 1950s when a few hospital systems and university medical centers were looking for ways to share images and information over the telephone. One of the first successes was when two health centers in Pennsylvania transmitted radiologic images via phone. As with any technological breakthrough, telemedicine has gone through several changes over […]
Procedure Coding: When to Use The 57 Modifier
This is part of the Modifier Series, the articles include: Modifers 59, 25, and 91 Modifier 59 Modifier 25 Modifier 26 Modifier 22 Modifier 51 Modifier 53 Modifier 58 The 57 modifier is an ongoing source of confusion for physicians and medical staff alike. But it’s not so difficult once you really understand how it […]
How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Work?
Medicare pays for medically necessary services for most individuals’ age 65 and older. Medicare may also cover those that have received disability benefits from the social security administration, or the railroad board. Traditional Medicare consists of several parts which combine coverage for hospital stays and medical services. Part A covers hospital care, care in a […]
What is I-STOP (Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing)?
There were 70,237 people who died in the United States from an opioid overdose in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was up 9.6% percent from 2016. It’s a scene that plays out over and over every day in America. Prescription drug abuse knows no limits, does not discriminate, and […]
Procedure Coding: When To Use the 58 Modifier
This is part of the Modifier Series, the articles include: Modifers 59, 25, and 91 Modifier 59 Modifier 25 Modifier 26 Modifier 22 Modifier 51 Modifier 53 Deciding when to use modifier 58 requires precision in order to ensure this modifier is implemented correctly. Due to its vague description, coding staff are commonly unclear when […]
Procedure Coding: When to Use the Modifier 53
This is part of the Modifier Series, the articles include: Modifers 59, 25, and 91 Modifier 59 Modifier 25 Modifier 26 Modifier 22 Modifier 51 Modifier 53 is outlined for use on CPT codes in order to indicate discontinued services. This means it should be applied to CPTs which represent diagnostic procedures or surgical services […]
The Top HIPAA Violations and How to Prevent Them
By Meghan Franklin 2018 saw the largest Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) settlement since the Act was established over two decades ago in 1996. HIPAA sets national standards for the confidentiality, security, and transmissibility of personal health information. In the settlement, Anthem paid the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) $16 […]
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: The Future of Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to disrupt healthcare in ways people could only imagine not long ago. And, the technology shows no signs of slowing down. As companies experiment with different ways to use AI, patients, doctors, and others in the medical industry have opportunities to benefit. Here are 10 ways AI has impacted healthcare. […]
Procedure Coding: When to Use the Modifier 22
This is part of the Modifier Series, the articles include: Modifiers 59, 25, and 91 Modifier 59 Modifier 25 Modifier 26 Modifier 51 All CPT codes have an expected range of complexity. When the procedure performed has exceeded the normal range of complexity, modifier 22 can come into play. Modifier 22 is used for increased […]
Procedure Coding: When to Use the Modifier 51
This is part of the Modifier Series, the articles include: Modifers 59, 25, and 91 Modifier 59 Modifier 25 Modifier 26 Modifier 22 Modifier 51 Modifier 51 is a modifier you probably use frequently if your provider performs surgical services. However, this particular modifier is exceptional in regards to where and how it should be […]