This session is intended for Physicians and Coders

Description:
Claims for all services performed on or after October 1, 2013 must use ICD-10 diagnosis codes.  This three-hour session will introduce the important principles of ICD-10.  The session will cover general guidelines and the chapter specific principles that set the rules for code selection and sequencing.  The participant will learn how to select a diagnosis code by understanding the framework of the system and the correct procedure for using the index and tabular list to find a diagnosis.  Many coders find that additional documentation is needed in the medical record.  This session will show how to find out if more specific documentation is needed for ICD-10.  Finally, with the implementation date looming, practices must develop a timeline to learn, teach and use ICD-10.  The program will suggest a plan for small and medium size practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the structure of an ICD-10 code
• Understand and use the symbols, punctuations and conventions
• Sequence codes correctly based on general instructions and chapter specific rules
• Define key terms: blocks, Excludes1,  Excludes2, sequencing, placeholder, and seventh digit
• Identify documentation that will require additional specificity to code

CEUs
3 AAPC credits for 2012

The OIG, CMS and private payers have warned clinicians against producing identical notes using their EHRs. And yet, we want physicians to use the features of these programs to more easily document their services. Often the results are lowered productivity and clinical notes that don’t provide meaningful clinical data and look identical to one another. Medical practices need policies to guide clinicians and auditors with the Documentation Guidelines and guidance from payers in mind.

Learning objectives:

• Define a policy for copying/pre-populating from previous notes
• Identify audit strategies for new and established patient services
• List three strategies for engaging physician leadership

As of January 1, medical practices can bill for discussing advanced directives and end of life planning with patients using existing CPT™ codes.

Although CMS describes this service as a support to primary care, there are no restrictions related to specialty in providing the service.

This no-nonsense presentation will describe the CPT™ rules related to the Advance Care Planning codes and CMS guidance from the Physician Fee Schedule final rule, released at the end of  October. Although CMS is not presently setting a National Coverage Determination, it did describe a payment amount, and when ACP (Advance Care Planning) could be reported with other E/M services.

Bonus: Also a quick review of TCM (Transitional Care Management) and CMS change for 2016!

After the session participants will be able to:

• Implement the service in their practice
• Describe the key requirements that need to be documented in the medical record
• Communicate the key CPT™ and Medicare rules related to Advance Care Planning
• Know when there will–and won’t–be a patient due balance