by Misty Wilkes Collecting money from a patient is never an easy task. In an ideal world everyone would pay their bill as soon as they receive it. In reality, medical bills are usually last on the list for payment. I have noted a few recommendations to help improve cash flow and not have patient […]
Update to Code 37241
by Cheryl Nash After extensive research into CPT code 37241, along with the conflicting information being provided by various sources, I submitted a query to the AMA in regards the appropriate use of this code specifically in relation to Endo-Mechanical/ Endo-Chemical ablation (MOCA) (ClariVein©) for the treatment of varicose veins. The AMA provided a comprehensive […]
Phlebology Practice Management Group
by AJ Riviezzo A number of people have expressed interest in being able to communicate with their peers in the phlebology community. To that end, we have created a Google group for phlebology practice managers. You have to sign into Google or create a Google user name and password. Once you are signed in, the […]
2014 Changes
A Glossary by Cheryl Nash This year is certainly bringing a lot of changes to the world of healthcare. I am pressed to think of any aspect of this industry that is not going to be significantly impacted by at least one if not all of these new requirements. The Affordable Care Act, Meaningful Use, […]
Endomechanical Ablation Coding
Our View by AJ Riviezzo Recently code 37241 has been touted as potentially proper coding for an endomechanical ablation of a saphenous vein. The reimbursement is fantastic. It is an inclusive code. Medicare pays it quickly. As my mother always said, if something is too good to be true, it probably is. Here’s why we […]
Chart Audits
Coming to a Practice Near You by Cheryl Nash This year has been an exciting one for audits. The government has ramped up both RAC and ZPIC audits, as well as audits from Medicare Advantage Plans. If you participate with any of these plans, chances are you already have, or certainly will, have a request […]
Quick Patient Satisfaction Idea
What You See… You Believe by AJ Riviezzo Word of mouth advertising is worth its weight in gold. We all know this. So how do we help to ensure a satisfied patient? One recommendation that has worked in some practices is a quick dab of cosmetic sclerotherapy. When treating the patient’s GSV or SSV, consider […]
Affordable Care Act Impact
How to Protect Your Practice by AJ Riviezzo There are a variety of moving parts with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that can impact your practice ranging from changes in payer reimbursement to your own individual or small group health insurance plan. One aspect that has not been covered much in the media is the […]
Reviewing Your Own Documentation
What to Compare Against by AJ Riviezzo As you know, we perform a number of chart-to-bill, bill-to-chart audits for consulting clients. A lot of the feedback we render is related to how well – or not so well – the documentation matches up against the clinical guidelines and Local Coverage Determination policies. In short, we […]
Diagnostic Imaging
Is a Separate Report Really Required? by Cheryl Nash Here at American Physician we do quite a few chart and documentation reviews. As a full service billing company, we also provide appeal services and see the feedback from the payers after submitting the provider’s documentation. One of the common issues we see here is in […]